I Never Guessed This Journey Would Lead Me to Share the Meal

When God called us to plant a church a little over a year ago I knew it was going to be different, but I never expected God to lead us on a journey of hospitality. I never knew that it would mean share the meal with others. Looking back, however, it’s entirely clear why God has called us to do something radically different. I know there are lessons in my fumblings for you.

It was clear to me from the start that ‘church’ needed to look different than what we had been doing. I was in the throws of holding together a community as the COVID-19 pandemic was in its early stages here in North America. We moved the entire service online in 5 days, and the first time there were cameras in the sanctuary an electric, almost fun atmosphere permeated the service. It was rough from a technology standpoint, but we took the bulk of what was offered to people on a Sunday morning and moved it online… in 5 days.

After everything fell apart, I had some time to reflect. The questions began to bubble up as I processed my own grief and pain.

• In what situations have I grown the most in my life? (Deeply intimate conversations) 
• What was it that Jesus called his followers to? (A radical submission, and generous grace)
• Could Jesus’ ministry be converted to an online stage? (Not the real, life changing ministry)

I had to stop and evaluate my own priorities in life and ministry. Was this about building a platform (digitally, physically, or literally?), or was this about calling others to come follow Jesus?

Originally, that vision looked like small, intimate communities living missionally. People would respond en masse to an authentic calling where they were free to reach out to their neighbours and live in a new way. We could train them as they engaged with God’s Word and be radically transformed.

Except that didn’t happen.

It takes time to heal from the wounds we carry. There are muscles that we’ve never used before, and it is unrealistic to expect others to run marathons when they are working on getting off the couch.

The beauty came out over meals. The conversations over Scripture were rich and deep, but the relationships developed across a dinner table. Real vulnerability started to emerge as the community was free to enjoy food together, talk about ‘regular’ life, and enjoy the presence of those around them. Service and mission has begun to blossom as we gather for worship, Gospel, and meals each week.

Even outside of the community, it is a hard ask to invite someone to come and read the Bible. Yet everyone needs to eat. This has led me on a journey of deconstructing my own liturgy of meals – is it important that we pray for food if it makes others uncomfortable? Do I need to shoehorn in a spiritual conversation everytime I eat with others? Can I just enjoy the food and company for what it is, and saturate the time in my own perpetual prayer?

You’re probably starting to get a taste for what I’m getting at. Opening up our homes opens up the mess of our lives. Opening up the mess of our lives creates opportunities to demonstrate God’s love and grace. Demonstrating God’s love and grace makes little sense to the larger world. This is a mode of being that radically challenges the systems I grew up in: proclaim, preach, and secure the prayer. Instead, God has been teaching me that following Him involves far more praying, more being, more love, and more presence that I ever expected.

It means opening up my table for all. Jesus is our host. The Spirit the chef of our conversation. I get to eat at that banquet table, and invite others to come and taste and see that He is good.

This month we’re going to be exploring different themes and practices around Sharing the Meal. These are all practical lessons that I am still learning and putting into practice myself. I pray that God will set a banquet before you.