Temple to Table
From the beginning of human time, Yahweh has invited humanity to know Him/Them. At first, it was in the Creation Garden. Later, away from the Garden, it was in a special Tent. Then, when Yahweh’s people had settled in a region, they built a Temple according to plans given to them by Yahweh.
In that Temple, Yahweh made a space where holiness could reside amongst earthiness. The Temple was separate from daily living. Yahweh’s Presence kissed earth in that sacred place. Humans could meet with Yahweh there only through very intentional and careful preparation and practice. Each element of the Temple and Temple practices symbolized things about Yahweh that humanity needs to know. For generations, this was the only place where humans could meet with their Creator.
Then, Yahweh-Son was willingly sent from eternity and chose to come into human form to change everything. Long story short, Jesus lived, died, and then conquered eternal death to live again… for humanity to be reconciled with Yahweh.
When Jesus died, the Temple curtain split and Yahweh chose to bring His Presence out of the Temple back into everyday life. Humans no longer have to travel through distance and ceremony to meet with Yahweh. He/They have become “God with us” again.
Interestingly, Jesus lived this way before the Temple curtain split. He lived a life of connecting with humans mostly outside of the Temple. He walked with humanity in the community spaces and around the Table. It was in the midst of daily life that He discipled His followers.
The Mission Collab vision is to embrace the Table as both a metaphor for daily life discipleship AND a literal key space for connection and ministry.
In modern western churches, some of the things Yahweh intended for our Tables have ended up being relocated to the “temple” space of Sunday Church services. We seek to examine the modern Sunday Church practices and bring ordained ministry elements back to the Table.
Some of these practices include:
Communion, Passover, and the power of sacred meals
The Passover Meal is shared around the Table and it was during this meal that Jesus established “communion” using some of the bread and wine from the Passover menu. We celebrate Communion, Passover, and other sacred meals around the Table. (“Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are retelling the story, proclaiming our Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Cor 11:26 TPT)
Discipleship
Jesus walked with people, ate with people, lived life with people. This is discipleship. We believe that all Jesus-followers are disciples and disciplers. As we open our Tables to our neighbors and friends and spheres of relationship, we seek to see our Tables as sacred spaces of discipleship.
Children and families
Kids were part of the community that followed the discipleship of Jesus. We believe that our Tables and homes are where the faith discipleship of children happens. We intentionally disciple our kids in daily life and around the sacred space of our Tables.
As we seek to follow Jesus and live out His mission to bring Love to the world, we want to find many beautiful ways to meet at the “Table” with Yahweh, our neighbors, and communities.