I wanted to try and explain what IF:Table is all about - at least to me. We are kicking this off at our church and I thought by explaining what it is, you would climb on board this fun journey!
IF:Table stemmed from a lady that -- when her husband took a pastor position, she decided she wanted to have the entire congregation over for dinner. Of course, this can't happen at once -- but 6x6 she worked her way through the entire congregation. You can see more of her story at www.ifgathering.com and click on gather, then IF:Table.
When we were at the conference, we had mini ideas of what this should look like. For example:
- After a few hours of teaching, we turned around and sat in a circle with those close to us and asked simple questions from a list of cards.
- This concept helped you get to know someone new
- It helped you process the speakers you had just heard
- It made the event get personal and small
- BTW, Jennifer and I made new friends this way that we ended up having meals with!
- Dinner Friday night
- You picked a card based on $$$ and type of food
- When you arrived at your choice, you were to meet up and find new friends to sit with!
- You weren't necessarily given questions to ask, but kind of did that indirectly because it made conversation flow better
- This is where we met our rockstar friends we ended up sight-seeing with!! It was incredible.
People look at me and say I'm an extrovert --- but each of those things were hard for me. I was with my friend from Tucson and was more than content to just be with her since we don't get that every day! But - the blessings that flowed from these times outweighed my anxiety about it.
Did you get that last line?
MY BLESSINGS OUTWEIGHED MY ANXIETY.
IF:Table is very simple. You gather 6-8 women at someone's house for a meal. This can look different for each group ---- potluck, themed dinner, potato bar, simple, delicate, over the top, etc. Depends on the hostess and the decisions in the group. You don't have to have a huge house -- or even a table that seats everyone - or the perfect set up.
You ask 4 questions. This is my favorite part. Want to know why? I hate small talk. I hate trying to make conversations with strangers. It's exhausting. It's not my thing. The table focuses on these 4 questions and the conversations it starts. The focus is off me. It's off you. It's answering a question.
It's only 2 hours --- once a month. There is a start and end time. You won't be there forever. It makes the time have purpose and recognizes that we respect your time. And once a month? Who can't do once a month night out with some new friends?
The simplicity of it is refreshing. It reminds me of the stories of the disciples sitting with Jesus. Impromptu (although we do have a date set) but purposeful. It's not about the food, or the cleanliness or appearances. It's about learning to be more like Christ and being intentional about your life.
Personally, I do better in situations that have purpose. But no so rigid that I can't be me or I can't see how to use my gifts.
The table is a place where friendships are formed and lives are changed.
