A table that pops up throughout the community

The heartbeat of the Gathering Table ministry is hosting Pop-Up Dinners throughout our community that brings people together who are different from one another around one common table to share a meal and hear one another's stories.

Psalm 107:2-3 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” 

Gathering Table is a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18), with the purpose being focused on breaking down barriers between people and God. We create opportunities at the table for guests to share their story in some way. For example, a common question we have used is, "What is a hardship you have gone though, and how did you get through it?" We use an open-ended question like this one that anyone can answer. As followers of Jesus, God's redemption story is interwoven in our story - the two are unseparable. By answering this question about a hardship we have gone through, the believers around the table are naturally sharing what God has done in their life with those at the table who might not know Jesus. In this regard, these dinners are primarily evangelistic.

At the end of each dinner, we get to share what we call the "Gospel Takeaway" with our guests, by speaking the hope of Jesus Christ into the life stories that have been shared during the meal. 

This table ministry is messy and beautiful at the same time. Heartbreaking stories are often shared (which is the messy part, as people respond to this in all kinds of ways), and vulnerability is almost always the atmosphere around the table, often between people who are complete strangers. Our prayer for each dinner is that gospel seeds are planted in the hearts of our guests (both believers and unbelievers alike, as we all need to hear the hope of Jesus regularly) and that lasting connections are made between the church and the unchurched ultimately leading the lost to come to know Jesus.

​Everything is 100 percent paid for through donations, so that our guests can enjoy an amazing experience without the burden of covering any costs. 

Each dinner seats between 10-20 people and costs between $400-$500, depending on the number of guests, the food and the venue.

2025 marks the fifth year of doing Pop-Up Dinners in our community. Since 2021, Gathering Table has hosted:

- Over 15 Pop-Up dinners in Fresno, Clovis, Sanger and Kingsburg

- Over 100 guests, many attended multiple dinners

- Over 200 plates of delicious food served from local restaurants 

There are a number of ways you can support upcoming dinners:

- Give a donation towards Gathering Table

- Purchase a Spoon Ring and/or Raw Honey at the Collective 103 in Old Town Clovis (proceeds go to Gathering Table)

- Give toward the 2025 Collective Spot Campaign

Sandy's Country Junction in Old Town Clovis

Papa's Place in Old Town Clovis

Gazebo Gardens in Tower District

Visit our website for FAQ and upcoming dinners.

www.gatheringtablefarms.com