What is Open Table?

Open Table trains congregation members, through the Open Table Model, to form communities-called Tables-that transform their vocational and life experiences into tools our Brothers and Sisters, who are experiencing hardships and distresses, can use to develop and implement plans that create change. The Open Table process is a catalyst for the collaboration of faith communities, government, universities, business and non-profits working through a shared purpose model to move themselves and their communities from a transactional relationship with our Brothers and Sisters whose lives have fallen apart to one of transformation. 

A Table is formed by 6-12 volunteers who bring their vocational and life experiences along with their personal networks to a disadvantaged family for approximately one year.  Together, with the brother/sister being served, the Table develops and implements a customized LifePlan to empower the family to begin living into their human potential God gave them. 

Versions of the model are available for Homeless/Working Poor, Young Adults, Veterans, and Human Trafficking Survivors. New models are incubating. 

What do YOU have to offer?

The Open Table process develops Missional Communities committed to the transformation of a family or individual in distress. However, Table members say they are often more transformed than their Brother or Sister. When the Open Table process is complete, these Missional Communities, having brought each other through the wilderness of hardships, where they collided with society’s false beliefs about the distressed, become a new community in which the family or individual they helped is now unrecognizable from those who did the helping.  In many instances, individuals helped in Open Table return as Table members helping the next family.

You have years of life experiences, education, as well as a relational network and we have a way for you to share that experience in a way that can help someone move from living with hardships to experiencing community. 

The Commitment

  • Average of 1-2 hours a week for 12 months

  • Build a lifelong relationship with the Brother or Sister you will walk with.

  • Serve alongside 6-12 other people (depending on the version of the model)

Get Involved

If you want to get involved, or simply find out more information, contact the church office.