Our History and Values
Established in 2010 by church planters Josh Wilton and Andy Withrow, The Table was born out of a desire to see Jesus Christ revealed in common life – in ordinary living and the life of the Spirit. Out of this longing came the central image of a table with all its variety of uses, whether it be the communion table, the dinner table, or the coffee table. Potluck-style common meals are a part of every gathering, along with singing, listening, learning and prayer. In this way we show that people can belong before they believe – everyone is welcome at God’s table. And everyone contributes, whether a committed Christian or the spiritually curious – tables are setup, food laid out, dishes washed, and dessert baked by all - everyone has a role.
At its core, the Christian faith is a call to follow Jesus in every sphere of life – to love God, love each other, and to love and bless our neighbours. Discipleship is lifelong apprenticeship and formation. To that end, the Table has a pattern of bi-weekly worship rhythms, meeting for corporate worship in a large gathering twice a month, and inside homes in neighbourhoods throughout the city on the alternate weeks. We gather in homes, offices, coffee shops and parks, as a living illustration that God is present in all of life.
These casual gatherings provide a lot of space for people to ask questions, have in-depth conversation, and wrestle with the truth of scripture. In order for faith to grow, there must be space for all these important elements to be present. As we gather, God is forming us as His people, transforming us through our worship and work together.
Initially a part of the Anglican Mission in America, The Table was received into the Anglican Network in Canada (ANIC) a couple years after our ministry began. It has been a great asset to be a part of a diocese that provides helpful local oversight and clergy support, as well as a hospitable environment for church planting. As we have grown as a church, ANIC has provided much needed guidance in the structural side of non-profit ministry, and has encouraged us to explore new models of ministry that we discern are necessary and helpful for our particular context.
“Church of Our Lord” by friend of the Table Church, Caitlin Ambery.