What makes the Table different from church?
great question!
While we definitely experience communal rhythms of spiritual formation and discipleship at The Table, the intent is not to replace the local church. Rather, it seeks to fill a gap missing in many believers’ current experiences with church. The Table focuses on strengthening the Kingdom as a whole and the larger Body of Christ. It can enrich the people in the local Church in the following ways:
Believers can connect with and learn from many others in the Body beyond their church building, denomination, or usual worship expression, expanding their Kingdom mindset and awareness of God’s work in the world outside their circles.
At the Table, believers experience a circular model of community. It feels less like a tightly produced service and more like a living room conversation.
At the Table, everyone gets to play. The Body of Christ needs every member, and to hear from every member. We give time for people to share -- whether it is testimonies, something one’s been chewing on in the Word, or a valley one is currently walking in. At the Table, you might hear from the young and the old, from the reserved or the charismatic, from the teacher and the prophet. It’s not without order, but the structure is less of a tight grip and more of a trellis on which life can freely—albeit wildly—grow. There is a schedule, but it can be a little more relaxed and open to variations and surprises than a traditional Sunday morning service often can afford to be.
At the Table, there is more time to settle in for a meal and have connecting conversations.
There is no staff at the Table; it is organized and realized by the Body of Christ as we yield to the Holy Spirit. There is no pressure on any person or group to “create” a respectable evening; beautiful things happen when believers gather together in Christ’s name. This also means that the Table is a place where many pastors and leaders can rest and receive in ways that are hard for them to at their church on a Sunday.
The Table is evangelistic by nature: it is a place where one might more easily invite their unsaved neighbors. Many who would be reluctant to go to a traditional church service might give stronger consideration to a more casual expression of worship centered around a community meal at a home.
You are welcome to join in any time!