Setting the Table operates from
a set of values:
That everyone is creative, full of God given gifts and abilities that the world needs now.
A deep respect for differences, however they may be expressed.
A belief that listening, dialogue and exchange open doors to unimagined possibilities.
A view that deep learning and inner healing happens when people form relationships with Jesus through forming relationships with God's word, one another, ideas, and materials.
What makes us unique:
Setting the Table works to build studio environments that invite people from all backgrounds and walks in life to come together around Jesus to care for another and our culture. It is a place where we learn from one another and work alongside each other to explore the deeper questions around who Jesus is and what it means to follow him in the 21st century.
Why is the work we do important?
Why is it that despite our belief in God's love so many believers don't experience that love in our relationships with others?
Why is it even after we have learned about God wanting to soften our hearts we often don’t experience God’s transforming power and love?
The United States and more specifically the Evangelical Church in the United States is a left brain dominant culture. When our left brain is dominant it hinders us from accessing right brain modes of being. Research shows that feeling, healing, and transformation requires us to engage both sides of our brains. Knowing scripture, researching, lectures, sermons, these are all left brain oriented activities. But mostly staying in our left brain is not living life to the fullest. We were made to easily flow between our left and right brain to experience life, each other, and God.
We are most alive and move towards metal, physical, and spiritual health when both sides of our brain are integrated. Setting the Table recognizes and supports an integrated brain. We do this through setting up experiences that invite us to pay attention and explore what we think and feel. Next we ask participants to express their discoveries using both sides of our brains through the creative arts. By sharing what we create with others we invite them into crossing between their left to right brains, thus also moving them towards deeper connection and transformation.
Hive Gatherings: Are spaces where creatives come together to experiment, to imagine greater possibilities, try out new ideas, and share experiences.