TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 2

What is new with Table Talk?

We started a new Table Talk series covering all six of Feed the Need Missions’ core values: Jesus, Consistency, Stewardship, Servant Leadership, Mercy, and Simplicity. Last week we visited Stony Point to see how the volunteers see the core value of Jesus playing out at their site. This week we visited Smithville to discuss consistency.

Week 2: Consistency, Smithville Site

No matter where we are, everything we do must stay consistent in order to spread the mission and advance the vision of feeding people physically and spiritually. How do we stay true to this not only at our sites but with those we do life with? Here was the challenge for this week:

1. We learned that harmony is a synonym for consistency. So, we asked, “What does it mean to have Harmony with Jesus (and with others)?” And,  “What would it look like if all our volunteers and guests had true harmony?”
2. We asked everyone to consider this: How are you being consistent?

Here’s some of what our Smithville volunteers had to say about how Table Talk has impacted them personally and how it’s impacting their site.

Marion

Marion shared that when she first started volunteering with Feed the Need Missions, the main focus was on the physical need being providing—it was more self-focused. But as the weeks go on, she has seen the guests become more genuine, and they have gotten more involved with Table Talk. “The physical need began fading as the primary reason for returning to the site each week. That is the defining shift that has occurred in Smithville.”

She also discussed how the guided questions within Table Talk has helped her engage with others more, which has started deepening her relationships with the volunteers and the guests. She also credits the Tangen family with modeling effective ways of engaging with others. “They have provided so much consistency in how they express genuine love and care for the people here—they’re always engaged with everyone. They know how to pull people in, and I’m trying to learn from that because that doesn’t come naturally to me. I know there will come a time when I will feel more confident engaging with people where I can sit down at the table with them and have a meaningful conversation.”

Asher

Asher is one of our teens who consistently serves each week–wherever he is needed. He talked about how he has seen the guests talking and engaging more during Table Talk instead of just the volunteers, and how that shows that they are truly listening to what is being discussed. “I think the impact of being consistent with Table Talk and discussing salvation has people thinking more about how God is working in their lives.”

He explained how he has learned that you can’t judge someone’s relationship with God based solely on their body language or lack of participation. Even though someone may appear disengaged, they will eventually show you they are paying attention. “Sometimes, you’ll see someone nodding to something being said or saying something that shows that the things we discuss around the table are sinking in; when it’s easy to understand, it helps us share what we’ve learned with others.”

“I’ve also learned that there’s always two right answers to anything: Either Feed the Need or Jesus.”

Heather

Heather explained how the questions during Table Talk have been very useful in leading into conversations with guests. “I’ve had several instances where I’ve been really excited to expand on the questions with guests, which have led to some of the most meaningful conversations.”

She also talked about how consistency at the site, from set up to engaging with guests as orders are being taken, has let to building community through a meal and a time of devotion. “It’s been really cool to see the regular guests who consistently get here early every week to be part of Table Talk. It’s also been amazing to see guests, who you think aren’t listening, prove that it is really sinking in when you have a conversation with them or just seeing their hearts softening—I think a lot of that comes from the consistency of our volunteers—and we’re all participating in Table Talk together.”

At our weekly sites, you walk side by side with people, which allows you to see the needs. Table Talk helps you build and strengthen your relationship with God, and when you consistently work on your faith walk, that begins to overflow into your community.

If you have never been to a site, we encourage you to check it out. Feel free to hang around for Table Talk to experience it for yourself, and if you feel compelled, stay and volunteer. The beauty of our time around the table is that you not only spend time with the Lord but also get to encourage others on their spiritual journey.

We hope to see you at one of our weekly sites soon!

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24