Strategy
At The Table NYC, we have embraced a fresh approach to church life, distinct from the traditional models centered on gifted preaching and dynamic worship. Our primary focus is to channel our energy and attention towards transforming the expression of the Church through the vibrant lives of our church community.
Our foundation rests upon the heartbeat of discipleship, where every believer engages in a transformative journey that becomes the lifeblood of the entire church. This discipleship-centered approach leads to the formation of various community expressions, which flow organically from this deep wellspring.
Spaces of Belonging
This multi-tiered strategy not only adheres to our vision of creating a diverse, community-focused church but also ensures that we are diligently living out our mission, which emphasizes loving our neighbors, living the ways of Jesus, and being a living testament to His Kingdom.
1. Communion in Public Space: Unveiling the Gospel - Our public space is dedicated to unveiling the Gospel, where individuals come together in larger groups to share common experiences. Much like the New Testament gatherings at the temple, this space fosters a sense of community. While it may primarily feature one-way communication, the spiritual bond it nurtures is an invaluable foundation.
2. Community in Social Space: Life in Community - Our social space, akin to the 'oikos' in the New Testament, forms the essential building block of our church. It represents the average New Testament church size, where authentic community thrives. Here, we unite around common missional contexts, reinforcing our bonds and mobilizing our church for missional movements.
3. Commission in Personal Space: Discipleship in Action - Personal space thrives in our community as a realm of deeper relationships and active discipleship. Here, we embrace a more profound level of accountability, crafting spaces where we can practice a Christ-centered way of life, embodying His teachings in our neighborhoods. These groups function as closed units within our broader social sphere.
4. Core in Intimate Space: Vulnerability and Growth - Our most intimate space focuses on fostering vulnerability and growth. In small groups of two to four individuals, we share experiences and thoughts openly. These spaces create an environment where we can authentically know one another and cultivate deep, shame-free relationships. Our model draws inspiration from the close connection between Jesus and His disciples, like Peter, James, and John.
This multi-tiered strategy not only adheres to our vision of creating a diverse, community-focused church but also ensures that we are diligently living out our mission, which emphasizes loving our neighbors, living the ways of Jesus, and being a living testament to His Kingdom.