Blog

Why the Table?

If you want a one-minute answer to why Substance Church in Minneapolis uses the Table, this is it. Peter Haas, pastor of Substance and Table board member, explains:

"We were looking for something that would enhance our small groups. We were looking for something that would enhance the community of Substance, not merely the metrics. ... We thought, what can we do to enhance church in between church services? When we heard about the Table, I thought, wow, this is the technology we need to fill the gap."

Watch Substance: Why the Table (1:00)

Watch the full webinar, How They Did It: Substance Church Case Study, for more on how Substance has utilized the Table.

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Webinar: Small Groups Q&A with David Stark

For this week's Round Table webinar we brought in church consultant David Stark to talk about making the most of small groups on the Table. David has been a small group consultant for 17 years and helps start and grow small group ministries in churches all over the country. He's the author of Growing People Through Small Groups and LifeKeys: Discover Who You Are.

Watch as David talks about how to supercharge your small groups ministry with the Table:

Watch: Small Groups Q&A With David Stark (37:00)

Notes:

• With the communication revolution we're more connected that small groups used to be. That means small groups can go deeper.
• Leaders: Create a group on the Table for small group leaders. Add a video training channel, share curriculum in the discussion board with file sharing, use the Prayer Wall to pray for one another.
• The Table makes it easier for leaders to connect with organic groups, not to control them but to offer support.
• The Table helps get the program side out of the way so the body can be the body.
• The next generation is already sharing like this, so if you're not doing it you're going backward.
• Frees up pastors to do more.
• Where do I start? Start with the tools that are most exciting for you.

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The Table Loves Small Groups

Substance Church in Minneapolis has seen 116% small group attendance in the past quarter. That means more people attended their small groups than attended their church service.

That's crazy. It's also awesome. It means people are connecting, growing and inviting new people to experience how God is moving.

And one thing that's helped Substance develop their small group ministry? The Table. Peter Haas, Substance pastor and Table Project board member, explains:

"It's technology like the Table that has enabled our small groups to thrive. People are able to find their tribe within our church much, much faster."

Watch the video:

Watch Substance: Small Groups (1:08)

Watch the full webinar, How They Did It: Substance Church Case Study, for more on how Substance has utilized the Table.

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The Table Makes Big Feel Small & Small Feel Big

"Our church is too big."

"Our church is too small."

"Our church doesn't even have a building."

If your church is struggling with size issues, the Table can help. The Table helps big churches feel more intimate and connected, while small churches find a wealth of untapped volunteers and resources.

Big Feel Small
The Table can help big churches feel small. The Table helps create community and intimacy that can help your big church overcome the anonymity that happens on Sunday morning. Instead of being overwhelmed by the masses of people, you can find small groups to join, figure out who lives in your neighborhood and discover who shares your interests. Suddenly your church goes from a crowd of strangers to a bunch of connections.

Small Feel Big
The Table can also help small churches feel big. The Table can boost your communication efforts and help you work more efficiently. It's the kind of innovation you normally associate with bigger churches. Your people can connect and are empowered to do ministry without tapping your overworked staff. You can even recruit volunteers more efficiently and share resources. You'll discover a depth of potential you never knew your church had.

Building-less
The Table can also help house churches, church plants and churches without a building. The Table can offer a sense of place and unity for the church that doesn't have the traditional sign out front. Whether it's just a temporary phase or a core value, the Table can help you build the cohesive community that often centers around a building. Mapping functionality can help you pick a central location and posting volunteer needs can help you organize those Sunday morning set up and tear down times.

Size Doesn't Matter
Community doesn't just happen. You have to work to build it. And the Table can make it easier, no matter the size of your church.

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