Where did the Dinner Church idea come from?
The church as we know it today has only existed for roughly 500 years, but church around a table - around a shared meal, the stories of Jesus, and spiritual conversation - has existed for 2000+.
"The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to the community, to their shared meals and to their prayers."
Acts 2:42 Common English Bible
Today's expression of those early church gatherings
Food brings people together, all kinds of people. This is the genius of the Jesus table. An agape feast can bring rich and under resourced, educated and undereducated, people of every color, ethnic and racial background around one table, in the presence of Jesus. Jesus tables bring strangers together; His presence joins them as neighbors and friends and ushers them into the family of God. Early Christians were known for their radical hospitality, the Jesus table is an expression of that first call.
What to expect at a ConnectDinners meal:
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A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
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Plenty of delicious homemade or catered food, including dessert.
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Friendly servers who greet you by name and treat everyone like family.
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Live music (Christian and regular songs) played just right – loud enough to enjoy, soft enough to talk.
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Lively conversations and laughter around the tables.
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A diverse mix of people – all ages, backgrounds, and cultures – connecting over a shared meal.
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Holy Communion offered by a pastor after the meal for those who want to participate in the greatest meal of all.
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A short story about Jesus and how it has impacted the speaker's life.
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Table discussions about the Jesus story at your table, sharing and asking questions at whatever depth feels comfortable, sometimes even leading to prayer.
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Always enough food for seconds, and even some to take home.
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New and old friends making plans to meet again next week.
