Who we are
It Takes a Community to Make a Difference
We believe it takes a community working together to truly make a difference in people's lives.
At The Table–Irving, we describe that kind of community as a Kingdom Ecosystem.
But what is a Kingdom Ecosystem?
Simply put, it is people helping people and working together for the good of their community because of their shared commitment to following Jesus. A Kingdom Ecosystem brings together neighbors, churches, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations, homes, volunteers, and other resources. Each brings something different to the table, but together we can accomplish far more than any one person or organization could accomplish alone.
For us, it means creating a community where people can belong, build relationships, find practical help, discover opportunities, experience hope, and take their next courageous step toward a better life. And because our faith in Jesus is at the center of who we are, we hope that through those relationships people will also have opportunities to explore faith, experience God's love, and take the next step in their journey with Him.
A Different Expression of Church
Technically, The Table–Irving is a church, although we prefer to describe ourselves as an Innovative Faith Community. That's because when many people hear the word church, they immediately picture a building and a Sunday morning worship service. We believe the church was meant to be much bigger than that.
Romans 12:1–2 describes following Jesus as something involving our entire lives. We believe the Church was intended to be a Spirit-empowered community of people who share life together, care for one another, serve their neighbors, and participate together in God's work in the world. We believe that happens best over a cup of coffee, with friends and neighbors in an apartment complex, getting your hands dirty working in a community garden, helping someone find clothing, providing answers for legal problems, sharing a meal, operating a business, opening our homes, mentoring a young person, or simply being present when a neighbor needs a friend.
Everyday life becomes the place where ministry happens.
Seeking the Good of Our City
One of the biblical passages that shapes this vision is Jeremiah 29.
God's people were living as exiles in Babylon—a place that wasn't truly their home. God's instructions to them are remarkable. He didn't tell them to withdraw from the community around them. He told them to build homes, raise families, plant gardens, establish lives, and contribute to the place where they lived.
Most importantly, He told them:
“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
— Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
The New Testament continues this picture of God's people living as strangers and foreigners while faithfully serving the communities in which God has placed them (1 Peter 1:1; 2:11; Hebrews 13:13; Ephesians 2:19).
That's a major part of what a Kingdom Ecosystem means to us.
We aren't trying to create a separate Christian world and invite everyone else into it.
We want to be deeply rooted in the community we already share.
We want to know our neighbors.
We want businesses to prosper.
We want families to become stronger.
We want young people to discover their potential.
We want people experiencing homelessness to find a way forward.
We want people who are hurting to find hope.
We want neighbors to become friends.
And ultimately, we want people to experience the love of Jesus through the way we live, serve, work, give, and care for one another.
That's Why Our Mission Is Simple
“The Table–Irving is simply a group of friends walking together to establish authentic community in South Irving, building relationships and providing resources that help individuals and families develop a better way of life.”
That's Who We Are, That’s Our Kingdom Ecosystem.
Different people. Different organizations. Different gifts. Different resources.
One community—working together for the flourishing of our neighbors and our city.