The Story Behind The Table
a little background...
The Table was an idea of the Holy Spirit, the result of His stirring in many hearts, incubating in dreams and prayer…until one day, through the holy imagination and “yes” of team members Andrew and
, it was birthed at their home in 2022. It started with about 20-30 people and grew organically until one day we were looking at almost 100 beloveds filling every space of their precious God-given home. We knew there was something about this kind of gathering that was needed—different than a Sunday-morning church expression, more inclusive than a small group. It was a third space where people from any denominational (or even faith) background could easily come, invite seekers who were perhaps reluctant about walking into a church building, and find opportunities for testimony, questions, deep connection, and personal ministry time. Our heart’s desire was to communicate in our words and actions the following: “No matter where you’re coming from or what you’re carrying, you are welcome and have a seat at the Table of Christ.” We saw so many amazing things happen in those first few years (healings, deep heart ministry, someone bringing their unsaved neighbor who received Jesus that night, one man getting baptized in the Holy Spirit when a Presbyterian minister’s wife laid her hands on him in silent prayer, tears, art, creativity, beauty). And then it began to multiply (our team helped the Charlotte Prayer Room launch a Table, our own YCP team members Andy and Lisa Tonkin felt called to start one at their beautiful farm, and even a community in Liberia began one)! We were also seeing that third-space gatherings called “The Table” were happening all over the globe, and indeed had been for some time. This was truly in the heart of the Father and being birthed solely by the Holy Spirit.So fast forward to today…
Currently, the Table at the Paden’s is on indefinite pause as they lean into other things the Lord is asking them to birth and steward in this season, but one continues every month, hosted and led by the Tonkins. And beautiful things continue to happen. Join us!
Who knows, maybe you’ll even feel led to start one too? If so, reach out—our team would love to support you in advice, prayers, and encouragement as you explore what that might look like in your context. Below are some testimonies of how God has moved in these spaces.
“At the Table there’s zero performance pressure—from the facilitator to the first-timer. No one is putting on a show. It’s just people together.” - Matt
“The Table is a place that fosters community and welcome. I can invite someone off the street and say, ‘Come to supper with my friends.’” - Jared
“The Table is a gathering of all ages that is Kingdom-focused, cross-denominational, and accessible to the unchurched. The flow can be a bit different each time as the Spirit leads. I think what makes the time special is an overriding Hunger in those present, to connect with God outside of their usual established church structure.” - Andy (worship leader)
“The Table is Acts 2:42 for the modern age!” - Dean
“The Table is a place for nourishment of body, mind, and soul, where our deepest longings can be voiced, our stories can be heard, but mostly where we find that in being our most human selves, we actually see our Creator more fully.” - Dana
“The Table is a beautiful diversity of the body of Christ coming together with a focus on who God is and how they've been able to walk with Him. It truly is a night of fellowship, encouragement, and support with other believers that you normally would never have the chance to connect with.” - Stephen
“The Table is a holy space to come face to face with God. A time to just love and be loved by the Lord. What seems unique to me is the simplicity and authenticity. There is no show, but just raw humans coming as they are. I feel like it's perfect at allowing people to just be with Jesus without distraction. The second time I was there, I had one of those rare ‘encounter’ moments in worship where it felt like complete and total peace. But there is no hype and no expectation that every time of worship has to be ground-shaking, life-altering. The Table really feels pure in motive - that we just come to be with Jesus and tell him how much we love him and he will do what he wants to do in that moment with each person.” - Janelle (a pastor’s wife)