The Table of the Church
June 21, 2026
The earliest followers of Jesus dedicated themselves not only to teaching and prayer but also to sharing meals together. Day after day, they gathered in homes, breaking bread and celebrating God’s goodness with glad and generous hearts. Their relationships were deep, authentic, and life-giving. This week, we rediscover how shared meals helped shape the first Christian community and how they can strengthen our relationships today.
Passages
John 6:1-47 & Acts 2:42-47
Principle
The Table turns ##consumers## into ##communers##.
Practice
Take The Table Challenge: Stay at the table long enough to ##know## and ##be## ##known##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- Did you intentionally share a meal this week? How was it?
- Which of the four practices from The Table Challenge (Be Present, Thankful, Curious, Welcoming) came most naturally to you? Which was hardest?
HEAR
Read Acts 2:42-47
- What stands out to you about how the early church shared life together?
- Why do you think meals and shared time were so central to their growth?
- How is this different from how people typically experience church today?
The Six Questions at The Table
- How are you doing, really?
- What makes it hard to answer this honestly?
- What is God teaching you?
- Where are you seeing growth — or resistance — in your life?
- What are you celebrating?
- Why is celebration an important part of spiritual community?
- What burden are you carrying?
- How does sharing burdens change the dynamic of community?
- How can I pray for you?
- What keeps us from asking for or offering prayer in real ways?
- Who else needs a chair?
- Who in your life might be missing this kind of community?
HUDDLE
How did it feel to have this kind of conversation in our group rather than an in-depth Bible study? Why are both necessary? How can you make this kind of interaction more common at the tables you share with others? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Acts 2:42-47
- Day 2: Acts 4:32-35
- Day 3: Hebrews 10:23-25
- Day 4: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
- Day 5: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26
- Day 6: Colossians 3:12-17
- Day 7: Luke 24:28-35
Passage to Memorize: Acts 2:42
Think Deeper
- Where are you treating Jesus like a drive-through rather than a sit-down meal?
- Why did people walk away in John 6 — and how might we do the same today?
- What would help your life look more like the table in Acts 2?
Suggested Resources
Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer
The Gospel Comes with a House Key, by Rosaria Butterfield
A Meal with Jesus, by Tim Chester
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.