Chapter 1: Called to Table Life

How this works

Listen to Joanne read the chapter using the audio player above, and then dive into the corresponding group discussion questions.

Chapter 1: Group Discussion Questions

1. How does it feel to remove the pressures of cooking like the stars?

2. What appeals to you about the cooking shows?  Why?

3. Describe the table in your house now and when you were young.  What story comes to mind?

4. What is one small goal you can do right now to improve table life in your home?

5. The author suggests  “pressures of our culture and idols of our hearts hinder and hide table life. What hindrances currently make table life difficult in your home?

6. How does viewing your table as an altar impact your idea of eating meals together?

Going Deeper

1. The power of table life is seen in the pages of the Old Testament. Read the following stories. Where do you see the themes of faith and joy? What transformation of heart happened at these tables?

   1. Jonathan and Mephibosheth    (2 Samuel 9:1-2)

   2. Abraham and Sarah   (Gensis 18:1-13)

   3. Elijah and Woman of Shulamith   (I Kings 17:7-24)

2. Take time to remember someone’s table that has touched your life. It may have been last week or years ago. It might be the table of a parent or a mentor, a close friend, or a new acquaintance. Write that person a note expressing how that mealtime touched your life.