What happens when ministry steps outside the walls of tradition and meets people around the table? In this episode, Sandy Johnson shares her journey of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores, Washington, and how this unique model restores dignity and fosters transformation. Sandy reflects on the power of simple obedience, the challenges of earning trust in her community, and the profound spiritual growth she has witnessed. Whether you're curious about Dinner Church or seeking inspiration for your own ministry, this conversation will leave you encouraged and motivated to follow where God leads.

Even in the most robust churches, leaders can find themselves  disheartened, feeling like their efforts to share the Gospel aren’t making a real impact. The excitement and connection they long to see in their congregations just aren’t there.

But what if the answer is as simple as gathering people around a table? In this episode, we talk with David Bennett, a coach for pastors who are ready to try something different. David shares how the simple act of sharing a meal can transform not only churches but entire neighborhoods. Learn how Dinner Churches are helping leaders bring their communities together, sparking genuine conversations and deeper connections.

David is passionate about helping churches engage their communities in a fresh, meaningful way. As the leader of Mission 330 and Mission Converge, he works to equip pastors to build genuine relationships in a post-Christian world. Serving as a U.S. missionary with the Assemblies of God, David focuses on the power of good neighboring and the transformative impact of “table theology” on local ministries.

What does it take for bivocational leaders to build a thriving Dinner Church in the heart of a big city? In this episode, Ben and Jordan Arias share their journey from small-town Georgia to urban Chicago, where they planted two Dinner Churches. They discuss the challenges and rewards of bivocational leadership, the unexpected family they found in Chicago, and the powerful role of Dinner Church in their own lives. 

Now back in Georgia, Ben and Jordan are opening their own table for a new kind of “Passover,” inviting neighbors and family to experience church as an expression of identity and calling. Listen in for an inspiring story of faith, community, and transformation.

Church planting is harder than it used to be. Could Dinner Church provide a new path for denominations, networks and church planters? 

Don Ross is the superintendent for the Northwest Ministry Network, one of the largest church-planting networks in the Assemblies of God denomination. He has championed a network-wide Dinner Church initiative that has added dozens of new congregations to the states of Washington and northern Idaho over the past few years. In this episode, you’ll hear from Don about how his approach has helped open doors to start Dinner Churches in unlikely places.

David Brakke was commissioned by his church in Seattle to plant in Billings, Montana, two full states away. Today, established churches in his denomination have started Dinner Churches, and every single one now outnumbers the parent church. In this interview, you’ll hear David reflect not only on the success of this journey but also on the unique difficulties they continue to face.

Brad planted a traditional church in a small town in Ohio that pivoted to a Dinner Church midstream. Initially, it had significant impact, but then small-town issues pressed against his efforts. In this compelling story, you will see why some leaders are looking for a “mission-first” approach to starting communities of faith.

How much difference can a Dinner Church make? In this episode, you'll hear from Beckie Adams, a Dinner Church leader in rural New Mexico. Over two years, their "Jesus Table" congregation has grown to the same size as their Sunday morning congregation. But their numerical success has happened in spite of the drugs, alcohol, and poverty that are an inescapable reality in their region. Listen to this podcast to explore the difference one small church in a small town can make.

When Megan Monterrosa hosted her first Dinner Church gathering, only four visitors showed up. In this episode, you’ll hear about why Megan persevered and how they rapidly grew to two flourishing congregations.

Dan had a plan for planting in an exciting city, but through a series of nudges, they ended up in a small town with a significant drug problem. In this fascinating interview, you’ll hear how they attracted one-sixth of their town to their Dinner Church. You’ll also hear about why they stayed after the COVID pandemic shut down their congregation, and what their ministry looks like today.

“Meals were the main venue for the arrival of God's kingdom,” says Tim Mackie, describing the work of Jesus in the books of Luke and Acts.

In this unique bonus episode, host Verlon Fosner and producer Chris Morton welcome BibleProject’s Tim Mackie (Bible scholar) and Jon Collins (Explainer and Visual Storyteller) to help us understand why Jesus’ ministry focused so much on meals.

BibleProject’s enormously popular animated explainer videos, in-depth podcast, and ever-expanding free library of resources have helped Christians around the world grow in their understanding of Scripture. This episode will help you understand how the Dinner Church movement is a natural outgrowth of Jesus' own ministry approach. You will also gain useful insight into how to better teach the stories of Jesus at your tables.

Explore BibleProject resources at bibleproject.com, subscribe to their YouTube channel at youtube.com/bibleproject, and listen to their podcast at bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast.

You can learn more about the Dinner Church Collective at dinnerchurch.com and explore our in-depth graduate-level training at dinnerchurch.com/graduate-course.