Tim, Stu and Joel get together to discuss Soul Revival's strategy behind having meals at every Soul Revival gathering.

After reminiscing on some food memories, namely finger food and meals at Soul Revival when it was a youth community, they get into the "how" of meals. They explore what it means to spend meaningful time together—by preparing and sharing meals, which feels counter-cultural in today’s fast-paced world and most churches. The theology of serving in response to the Gospel is the heart of the strategy, where preparing and serving a meal is an example of being a living sacrifice, putting into practice the command of “love in action” from Romans 12.

As church attendances in Australia continue to decrease and interactions become event-focused and short-lived, they examine how meals are an expression of church where non-Christians can be invited to rather than exporting discipleship off the main gathering through Bible studies and mission via courses.

They wrap up the discussion with some thoughts on the joy of serving together as friends under Jesus.

03:11 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: 70's finger food and fellowship teas
12:32 Memories of sharing meals together
20:34 Preparing meals requires costly discipleship
34:07 Meals an expression of church to invite non-Christians to (Acts 2)
46:45 Mix of regulars and irregulars form a community
55:27 The joy in service under Jesus

DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE

Stop Googling, Let's Talk (7 minute conversations)
Oldenburg's Third Place Theory
Australian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry [Tim on Oldenburg's Third Place Theory]

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Shock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.au
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