The Role of a Dinner Church Table Host

MARCH 19, 2026 – Testimonies, Teaching on Dinner Church, and Q & A

1. Testimonies:
   Describe the “buzz” …
   • Among you, your team and parent church If you are planning and training a team
     to launch a Dinner Church.
   • Among you, your team and parent church if you have launched a Dinner Church.
   • Both settings – share testimonies of God’s direction, provision and life
     transformation you are experiencing.
2. Teaching:
   • The Role of a Table Host. (See outline below)
   • Why Jesus Stories are Important in a Dinner Church Setting.
   • Is Dinner Church a Legitimate Church?
3. Q & A
   

Announcements and Important Information

• PennDel Dinner Church Website located at dinnerchurch.penndel.org
• “Jesus Story Bible” (Compiles all gospel accounts in one book) freshexpressions.com under “Store” tab. Cost $5.00
• Free download “A Guide to Telling Jesus Stories” search at Bibles.com
• A Mock Dinner Church will be held Tuesday April 26. Sign up at Penndel.org to attend
• Summit 26, at Christian Life Assembly and don’t forget to register for this Dinner Church luncheon event. Visit Jessica and Gary at our Dinner Church Table for a free Jesus Story Bible.
• If you have launched a Dinner Church, please supply us with the information to register it on the website map of Dinner Church locations. Go to dinnerchurch.penndel.org, click on “Locations.” Scroll down to find, fill out and submit the location form.
• From Gary Bellis. Pastors – Would it be helpful if a dinner church coach came to your church location and shared insights with you, your church board or the congregation? Are you hesitant to ask because church financial resources are too tight to cover the expenses? Generous donors who believe in dinner church have contributed funds to make this happen. Contact Gary to discuss at 717-580-7283 or bellisg51@gmail.com

The Role of a Dinner Church Table Host

• Your first calling is hospitality, not expertise.
• Your job is to create a safe table, not to have all the answers.
• People encounter Christ when they feel welcomed, valued, and listened to.
• The goal is relationship first, spiritual conversation second.

1. Create a Table of Belonging
   • Learn and use people’s names.
   • Make sure everyone is included in conversation.
   • Pay special attention to new guests or quiet people.
   • Help the table feel relaxed, joyful, and unhurried.
   • Remember: belonging often comes before believing.

2. Be a Curious Listener
   • Ask open-ended questions rather than giving speeches.
   • Show genuine interest in people’s stories.
   • Listen more than you talk.
   • Avoid correcting, debating, or arguing.
   • People open spiritually when they feel safe and respected.
   • Example questions:
     • “What has been the best part of your week?”
     • “What brought you here tonight?”
     • “What’s something you’re grateful for right now?”

3. Guide Spiritual Conversation Naturally
   • After the teaching, invite discussion with simple questions.
   • Help connect the message to everyday life.
   • Encourage people to share their thoughts or questions.
   • Examples:
     • “What part of the message stood out to you?”
     • “Have you ever experienced something like that?”
     • “What do you think Jesus meant by that?”

4. Share Your Faith Naturally
   • Speak about Jesus personally, not professionally.
   • Use phrases like:
     • “In my life, I’ve found that Jesus…”
     • “One thing that has helped me in my faith is…”
   • Avoid preaching; tell your story instead.

5. Pray When Appropriate
   • Offer to pray for people when needs come up.
   • Keep prayers short, simple, and sincere.
   • Avoid church language that newcomers might not understand.
   • Example: “God, thank you for each person here. Please bring peace and help to the things we shared tonight.”

6. Watch for Spiritual Openness
   • Look for moments when someone:
   • Shares a personal struggle
   • Asks a spiritual question
   • Expresses curiosity about faith
   • Talks about needing hope or change
   • These are opportunities to gently say things like:
     • “Would you like me to pray for that?”
     • “Jesus helped me through something similar.”

7. Protect the Table Culture
   • No shaming or judging.
   • No dominating conversation.
   • No correcting someone’s beliefs in front of the group.
   • Always affirm honesty and vulnerability.
   • Your table should feel safe, respectful, and welcoming to seekers.

8. Help People Take Next Steps
   Encourage simple next steps such as:
   • Coming back next week
   • Meeting new people in the room
   • Meeting someone for coffee
   • Learning more about Jesus
   • Being prayed for
   • The goal is movement toward community and toward Christ.

9. Follow Up When Possible
   • Remember people’s stories.
   • Greet them warmly when they return.
   • Introduce them to others.
   • Help them feel they are part of the family.

10. Trust the Holy Spirit
    • You are not responsible for changing people.
    • Your job is faithfulness, not outcomes.
    • God works through simple acts of hospitality.

“People rarely argue their way into faith. They usually experience their way into it through love, community, and the presence of Christ.”

Simple Summary for Table Hosts
A great Dinner Church host does three things:

1. Love people
2. Listen deeply
3. Point gently to Jesus