Social Skills for an NT Environment?

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As an adult, I've done pretty well at compensating for my challenges among NTs. I have learned to make eye contact. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, but all I see are eyes. But I get that people find it important. I've learned to make basic small talk. I've learned not to speak every thought that comes into my mind because some of them seem to be inappropriate, and I don't know which until after I've said them. I can't keep a conversation going very long, unless we go to a topic I'm comfortable with. But most people think I'm just shy, they don't realize I'm on the spectrum unless they get to know me better.

I still don't recognize faces, and I still don't see nonverbal communication. But I often do recognize people by voice or shape, and I'm better than I used to be at perceiving vocal tones that indicate whether someone is getting bored or upset. (Sometimes I don't realize they're getting upset until it's too late.)

I still don't know how to enter a conversation going on between two people. I stand there like an idiot and wait to be recognized. But I can live with that.

Here's the thing: I'm studying to be a minister. Relationships are important in a church congregation. I'm good at preaching and Bible knowledge, and I see systems really well. But I don't understand community relationships and I'm not so good at forming, building, and maintaining relationships with individuals.

I don't retain things people tell me. It's like there's too much information, and I don't remember it. So when I talk to someone I'm not close friends with, I don't remember whether I've asked them about their family or not, or what they do for a living, and I don't remember what they told me. Sometimes I don;t even remember having talked to them before! But they know me, so we must have. I generally let the other person steer the conversation to avoid admitting I have no idea what we talked about last time. I'm pretty good at this, using the same methods I use when I meet someone out of context and have no idea who they are or where I know them from-- I just play along pretending I know who they are and that I'm glad to see them. But it's not a good way to build relationships.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to learn to function better in a world dominated by neurotypicals?

Please don't tell me to pick a different career. This is my dream, and I'm good at a lot of it. I just want to be better at some of the things I'm less good at.

Thanks.