The Welcome TableAndrews University Guest Lecture

Intro

My name is Rhidge. MAPMin.

What if our evangelistic focus was on creating genuine connection instead of dipping people in pools to meet quotas?

Evangelism is about experiencing the breadth of life with others.

Body

“…eating has been a central Christian practice since the beginning of our movement. And not only eating sacramentally, as in the Eucharist, but eating missionally as a way to express love to all. More than that, eating with others can be perceived as a profoundly theological practice.” — Michael Frost in Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People.

Bring quotes from Michael Frost book.

Story about Isai and Ivan. Ivan texted you about having questions about hell. He texted a group chat with the three of us, and my first natural instinct was to pull out my bible verses to address his concerns. However, God moved me to erase my entire text, and ask him to go out to Ginza.

The Welcome Table: A discipleship effort of the Fort Myers Church to share meals with those who would not normally walk through the doors of our church.

Story about attending Revelation Series while I was in college. Led out by John Bradshaw. He interviewed a police officer, and Pr. Bradshaw asked him a question: “What is a practical way we can reduce crime rate in our city?” In response, the officer said, “having a regular family dinner.

Story about Jessica and Justin. Got excited about the Welcome Table. Didn’t know who to invite. Found someone at the park. They came to their house.

Story about The Thomas Family inviting their children who don’t normally come to church.

KEY: We offerred funding, but NO ONE REQUESTED A REIMBURSEMENT.

Lesson: Sometimes, people just want to be given an opportunity to connect. The hope is that they will create this missional habit.

Sharing meals is a holy experience.

Bible:

Jesus calling Matthew to follow Him. “He sits and eats with tax collectors.” (Matthew 9:9-13)

Jesus at the table, breaking bread and they realize that it’s Him.(Luke 24:30-32)

Jesus in Revelation 3:20, saying that He stands at the door and knocks. To have a meal with us.

We need to measure

Conclusion