Tables Vision Summary

In short, it’s gathering with others for simple food and a Discovery Bible Study. The group meets for a maximum of one year, with the goal of multiplying new leaders after that year.

1. Commit to prayer and fasting for the church’s mission and vision.
2. Become an early adopter by leading a Table-style group.

In our simplified vision, we are calling groups to tables. The table is a simple tool that Jesus used for connection, which is a vital way we can continue to reach the lost in a disconnected culture.

Table groups agree to do 3 things:

1. 1. Share simple food. This is something we encourage to do at the beginning of a group meeting to create a relaxed, welcoming environment for connection. While a simple meal is the most ideal, it can still be accomplished by having coffee at a coffee house or snacks in a dorm room.
   2. Discovery Bible Study (our group guides are based on DBS, so those count!) Discovery Bible takes the approach of asking simple, open-ended questions to explore the scripture where the Holy Spirit can be our primary teacher. The facilitator helps to facilitate discussion rather than teach. The most transformational truths are often found through a discovery process rather than someone telling us what to think or do. The simplified format is ideal for leader multiplication- you don’t have to be an expert to be a leader!
   3. Set the expectation for the group to conclude within 1 year with hopes of multiplying a healthy group.
      In our trainings, this is what we call a “multiplication date.” This emphasis on multiplication is something we encourage leaders to plan from the beginning by co-leading with others or having someone come along as a helper to assist the leader.
      As the leader, it is important for you to own this vision when you share. The strongest way to cast vision will be to say “This is what I am feeling called to do” rather than saying “the church wants us to stop in a year.” If you sense that this will be a big shift for your group, it will be wise to have 1-on-1 conversations with your members prior to talking about it in a group meeting.

Prayer. We will be creating resources for prayer that we would love to have you and your group utilize. Consider using a portion of your group’s meeting time to pray for our church and region.

Prayer is Mission
Prayer is essential missional work- every move of God has been preceded by prayer. Our network of groups exist on what we call “the tree”- a relational network with group leaders, coaches, and network leaders. We see an additional branch growing on this tree of groups that contribute to the vision and mission through prayer.

• The Lost
• The Lukewarm
• The Long-time Christian

Essentially, anyone who is open to spiritual conversation centered around the Bible. You do not have to be a follower of Jesus to join a Table group- in fact, Tables are at their best with people present who are at various points on their spiritual journey. Groups can start with an initial 6 week commitment for participants before deciding if they’d like to continue.

A table summarizes our faith and disciple making strategy in one word.

In Jesus, God invites us to His Table. Those who follow Jesus will be eternally feasting with him at the heavenly banquet. (Rev. 19:9) We want to make sure we fill up God’s table by inviting anyone who will come to ours!

Jesus’ go-to strategy to reach the lost was to meet with them at a table. In a disconnected society, we want to mirror the missional strategy of Jesus.

At Crossroads, we have spent a lot of time and energy to equip disciple making leaders to make disciples through holistic groups. There are a few primary barriers that have emerged in seeing a disciple making movement occur:

1. Inward focus of groups. The longer a group is around, the less likely it is to reach new people.
2. Leader multiplication.
3. Reaching the lost in a disconnected culture.

The table is a simple tool for connection in a disconnected culture. Having a 1 year conclusion helps to emphasize the mission by leaving room for those who need to be at Jesus’ table. The simplicity of the Discovery Bible Study means that no one has to be an expert to start a group.

Biologically speaking, someone is considered mature when they can reproduce and care for someone else. We would say the same is true spiritually. Group leaders function as spiritual parents more than a resident expert. Biblical maturity is not as much equated with knowledge as it is fruitfulness. (John 15:4-5) Effective leaders in essence say, “follow me as I follow Christ,” modeling Jesus to their group as they encourage the members to take steps of faith based on what the Holy Spirit is prompting them to do. (1 Cor. 11:1)