Why non-denominational religion? Why walk away from an organized, institutionalized way I have known my whole life? I was Baptized, made my First Communion, made my Confirmation, was married, and had three children Baptized in the Catholic church. We left the Catholic church for another organized religion which was extremely close to Catholicism. The Episcopal Church allowed Women in power, accepted all people – at least on paper, and didn’t discriminate – again on paper. Initially, we found comfort in all we knew of church routines, but there was always unrest boiling in the congregation, which we learned more about as we became more involved.
From my perspective – the church was fractured in half. One-half wanted things to stay as they were, resisted any change, and systematically attempted to eliminate those who didn’t share their vision. The other half understood change is necessary for growth and that rituals, though comforting, should have deep purpose and connection behind them. I learned that the governing body, the Diocese, strongly supported those refusing change. This is all my observation and interpretation. Learning what we did over seven years and fighting for the change we knew was needed resulted in the need to walk away. We left the church. The following weekend, we walked into service with a new non-denominational movement called the Table.
The Table has beautiful, loosely structured Saturday evening services. I wish my health were good enough to join those and participate in the Sunday services, but it isn’t. My 3 teenage children agreed to attend Sunday services with us, which was very important to us. At this point, we do Sunday service as a family – worshipping, leading, running tech, leading songs, and more. I help with newsletters, bulletins, communication, print and digital materials, and anything else I can do from my computer in my home. My husband leads “Thinking it Through”, a Bible Study that includes everyone with deep scriptural intelligence and those just embarking on their journey.
Our first two Sunday services with The Table were spirit-led and completely beautiful. We instantly proved to ourselves that our service’s location didn’t matter. It’s the people, the connections with Jesus, leaving worldly cares behind and sitting at the Lord’s Table with people of all different beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences that matter.
I felt like everything I thought I knew about non-denominational religion came crumbling down around me. I had visions of prosperity- gospel-spreading entities who shared radical beliefs. I was wrong. That may exist in concepts I’ve seen on television, but it is not the reality of my experience. To me, non-denominational means I don’t have a governing body or a diocese looking over my shoulder and judging every decision I make. The Table believes that ALL humans are equal, and our call is to Spread God’s Love by sharing the word and continuing in service to and for our Lord.
We meet in a conference room with traveling sound systems and limited technology. Our altar glistens with vessels brought from home. Our sermons are not lectures but authentic conversations inspired by the Lord’s words we have read. Prayers are shared freely and flow as if inspired. Our service is to the people, to address food insecurity, to build a strong community with just one common belief – Jesus is our Lord. Signs encouraging people of multiple languages will never be ripped and disposed of from our sight. Hate will not be spread. We are a healing and blossoming community that grows in our love of God and understanding of the words the Bible gives us each week.
I encourage you to see for yourself. If you desire authenticity, the ability to ask questions, and a yearning to grow in faith, Join a service, share our social media posts, subscribe to and read our newsletters, or knock on the virtual prayer room door – and be a part of something unique.
”A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” (Lao Tzu); make yours a step to sit at The Table!
I look forward to meeting you,
Amanda
