Description
A Bigger Table Paperback – Sep 14 2017
by John Pavlovitz (Author)
Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: PRINT ON DEMAND; 1 edition (Oct. 6 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0664262678
ISBN-13: 978-0664262679
No one likes to eat alone; to approach a table filled with people, only to be told that despite the open chairs there isn’t room for you. The rejection stings. It leaves a mark. Yet this is exactly what the church has been saying to far too many people for far too long: “You’re not welcome here. Find someplace else to sit.” How can we extend unconditional welcome and acceptance in a world increasingly marked by bigotry, fear, and exclusion? Pastor John Pavlovitz invites readers to join him on the journey to find—or build—a church that is big enough for everyone. He speaks clearly into the heart of the issues the Christian community has been earnestly wrestling with: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, and global concerns. A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, Hopeful Spiritual Community asks if organized Christianity can find a new way of faithfully continuing the work Jesus began two thousand years ago, where everyone gets a seat. Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories and his careful observations as a pastor to set the table for a new, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. He invites us to build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community.
Evelyn Lehmann –
Amazon verified review: Loved this book, everyone should read this, for a better world.
Elizabeth –
Verified Amazon review: I came across John Pavlovitz blogs on social media. The first one I read, brought me to tears. I kept reading more and then ordered his book. Wow. A person of faith, who finally speaks to those that may have given up on it. If you want to read a powerful book, with a message that will touch you, and restore your outlook. This is the book.
David –
Amazon verified review: Some tables are laden with just enough food to go around. Some tables are more of a cornucopia with plenty to eat. Christian tables are usually hospitable with plenty of food, unless you are different or odd, especially, LBGQT. In their case, a trap door opens and they’re uninvited.
Italian-Catholic turned pastor, John Pavlovitz advocates for a table with plenty and for everybody in his book, A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic and Hopeful Spiritual Community (Westminister: John Knox Press, 2017). Jesus dined with everyone. At his table included prostitutes, atheists, tax collectors, religious zealots and traitors. He broke bread with all kinds of people. Pavlovitz asks the question most Christians do not: Why are only certain people welcome to Christ’s table?
The author maintains the problem hasn’t changed since Jesus’ day. Religion succeeds at playing gatekeeper to the Kingdom of Heaven, but fails at welcoming all to Jesus’ table. Jesus disliked the practice, preached against it and even demonstrated how to set a bigger table. Unfortunately, the Church still judges certain people as unfit for Jesus. Instead of carrying Jesus’ message, they cling to human prejudices outright or merely “tolerate” people smugly. However, we all know, Jesus never turned away anyone, no one, nobody who genuinely sought God.
Pavlovitz argues for an inclusive spiritual community (rather than an exclusive religious club) where differences in race, language and orientations are celebrated, not condemned. In other words, a table set by Jesus, for Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus – a table without human limitations or constraints. In the author’s view, it’s not the job of Christ-followers to tell people if they’re invited to the Christ’s table or not.
I like Pavlovitz’s honesty. You will be refreshed by his frank assessment of institutional Christianity in the West. We are a long way from Christ’s table. Our table may be full with all our ministries, sound systems, overheads and paid staff, but it’s far too small in God’s estimation. It’s our job as servants at God’s table to serve and welcome everyone to the Christ’s table. It may be messy and noisy, but it’s authentic and after God’s heart. After all, it’s the Lord sends out the invitations, welcomes the guests and multiplies the food.
Fear keeps the table small at most Churches. Even though Pavlolitz offers few solutions on how to help people overcome their fear of Other, I still recommend the book to everyone who believes in the Kingdom of Heaven now and forever. After reading Pavlovitz’s text, I can only conclude that Christ’s table is a moveable feast – wherever two or more are gathered in His name. Very, very rarely does this feast occur on Sunday in contemporary Church.
David Wilson –
Amazon verified review: Pavlovitz shares his journey of inclusion/diversity in a way that initiates your heart in to search mode, finally asking yourself, how big is my table? A must read, especially for anyone who still attends church!