Interview with Michael Carpenter of Matthew’s Table (pt.1)

I would like to introduce you to Michael Carpenter, the pastor, of Matthew’s Table. The church he pastors is radically different than the other churches in Lebanon, TN., but I will let him explain what that difference looks like in reality. Michael is a leading thinker and practitioner in the area of missional engagement  of the church in its local context and the church today can learn much from what Matthew’s Table is experiencing.

How did you begin Matthew’s Table?

We began dreaming about Matthew’s Table about two years before we ever moved to TN. If one reads through the Gospels, they will find that Jesus spent a lot of time not only teaching, healing, casting out demons etc, but also simply sharing a meal with a group of people. Furthermore, many of his teachings occurred in the context of being gathered around a table. So, what we find in the stories of the Gospels, is how the lordship of Christ is not only revealed in his working or miracles or his casting out of demons, but his Lordship is also revealed in ordinary, everyday places. Nowhere else in the gospels is this more obvious than in how Jesus ate and drank and with whom he did so (ex: Matt 9:9-10).

But to answer your question, Matthew’s Table began very simply with a backyard bar-b-que with friends, neighbors, and relatives. On a June day in 2008, we cast a vision for a church community that is seeking to be a people who live Jesus centered, missional lives. The outcome being a transformational shift in perspective (faith), purpose (hope), and passion (love) evidenced in how we relate to enemies and friends, neighbors and strangers, our families and the world. Many gathered that summer day made the decision to join God’s mission through Matthew’s Table in Lebanon and the world.

What does a typical gathering of Matthew’s Table look like?

Food. Eating together is a central part to our gathering. Meals are a reminder of our common need for God and his faithful provision. The command Jesus gives in regards to worship is to remember him and his sacrifice for us through a meal. When we eat together, we commune around this truth. In doing this, we demonstrate the Gospel to each other week after week. So every time we gather together as a church community we eat and drink in remembrance of Christ – looking back to the cross and forward to his return.

Learning. For us, the Bible is the primary authority that shapes us for how we live as a community in the world. We believe that the story the Bible tells informs every aspect of our lives. Our reading of the text and preaching from the narrative each Sunday is a reflection of this value. Also, we take a very dialogical approach to preaching and teaching. So one can expect a lot of questions, answers, and questioning of answers. This kind of inquiry and reflection requires a patient, intentional process on our part.

Kids everywhere. We have a designated “kid’s korner” but children are included in every aspect of our gathering. Sometimes we have to pause until a baby stops crying or a another tattles on someone for not letting her use a crayon – typical family stuff – but Jesus did say “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” So maybe we have something to learn from them as well. Besides, children are not only God’s gift to parents, but also the church. In other words, we all take a vested interest in each other’s children.

How did you decide on Lebanon, TN for Matthew’s Table?

The short version is that we were given my Grandmother’s house to live in after she passed away in ’08. I grew up in Lebanon, but never thought I would come back here in order to plant our church. Up until the offer on the house came about, we had been praying and seeking to go to a city in the Northeast. However, Lebanon seemed like where God wanted to send us.

In Lebanon there are a lot of churches and most are doing a great job of reaching and serving the people they are reaching and serving. But there are also some pretty big gaps. Even with all the churches, only about 25-30% of the population is showing up to church on any given Sunday.  Furthermore, Wilson County is the fastest growing county in the state with a lot of young families who like the proximity to Nashville, the great school system, and the small town feel of Lebanon.