IF:Table --- I'm scared to join - what is it?

I've been a bit out of touch.  Buying and selling a house is a bit consuming as is settling in.  We are absolutely loving every minute of our home!

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.