For many households, dinnertime has become TV time or phone time. We have forgotten the dinner table’s power to shape society. Many churches lack confidence when it comes to sharing the faith, but by gathering for a shared meal, churches can strengthen their bonds of fellowship and reach unchurched people. Here are a few ways to turn your regular potlucks and church dinners into what I call the “Jesus table”—a meal that brings outsiders into the presence of Christ.

1. Set an Abundant Table

Jesus spent a lot of time around tables. Scholar John Dominic Crossan says that to watch a day in the life of Jesus would be to watch him mostly healing and eating. Other scholars, like Christine Pohl, agree, pointing out that Jesus’ supper times were consistent and prominent parts of his mission. Think of how often the Gospels record instances of Jesus reclining at dinner tables with scurrilous people. He did it so often that he garnered the reputation of being a glutton, ...