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What happens when ministry steps outside the walls of tradition and meets people around the table?
In this episode, Sandy Johnson shares her journey of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores, Washington, and how this unique model restores dignity and fosters transformation. Sandy reflects on the power of simple obedience, the challenges of earning trust in her community, and the profound spiritual growth she has witnessed. Whether you’re curious about Dinner Church or seeking inspiration for your own ministry, this conversation will leave you encouraged and motivated to follow where God leads.
Sandy Johnson is an ordained Assembly of God minister. She pastors The Table @ Ocean Shores. God began talking to them about dinner church during the Covid pandemic, and they launched a dinner church in June of 2022.
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Interview Summary
“God gave us everything we would need right then. And He continues to give us what we need as we walk.” – Sandy Johnson
In a world where traditional church settings may feel distant or irrelevant to some, Dinner Church offers a fresh and deeply relational approach to ministry. Sandy Johnson, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, shares her inspiring journey of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores, Washington. Her story highlights the power of obedience, community trust, and the transformative impact of gathering around a table to share meals and Jesus stories.
In this episode of the Dinner Church podcast, we explore Sandy’s insights into building trust in a small community, the spiritual sensitivity that guided her vision, and the profound changes she’s witnessed in individuals’ lives. Whether you’re a ministry leader, a layperson, or simply curious about innovative expressions of church, Sandy’s story provides inspiration and practical wisdom.
The Call to Something New
“We knew God wasn’t done. We knew we had something, but we didn’t know what it was.”
Sandy’s journey began with a stirring in her spirit, a call to step away from the familiar and seek God’s direction. This period of prayer and reflection eventually revealed a vision for something entirely different: Dinner Church. Though they had no clear idea of how it would work or where it would lead, Sandy and Gary took steps of obedience, trusting God to provide clarity and resources along the way. This deep reliance on God became the foundation of their ministry, showing that obedience often precedes understanding.
Embracing the Dinner Church Model
“Dinner Church meets so many of the needs. It’s church, but in a way that feels natural and relational.”
Dinner Church is a simple yet profound concept: gather people around a meal, share a short teaching focused on Jesus, and create a welcoming space for community. Sandy and Gary’s unique background as adult converts to Christianity gave them a special understanding of those unfamiliar with traditional church culture. This approach proved especially meaningful in Ocean Shores, where they reached people ranging from the homeless to wealthy retirees, and from secular-minded individuals to strong believers. As Sandy reflects, “It’s church, but in a way that feels natural and relational.”
Building Trust in the Community
“God told us we’d face a huge wall of mistrust, so we planted with no local church affiliation—and people noticed.”
Ocean Shores, a small town of 8,000, carries a history of church-related hurt for many residents. Aware of this, Sandy and Gary intentionally launched their Dinner Church without ties to any existing local congregation. This decision helped them establish trust with people who had been skeptical or wounded by traditional church experiences. Many attendees expressed relief, saying they wouldn’t have come if the Dinner Church were linked to a local church. Sandy emphasizes that understanding and respecting her community’s unique dynamics were critical to the success of their ministry.
Witnessing Transformation
“I saw her back straighten, her head lift—God restored her dignity before my eyes.”
One of the most powerful aspects of Dinner Church is its ability to restore dignity and spark transformation. Sandy recounts the story of a woman struggling with addiction who initially avoided eye contact but found a sense of worth and belonging through the community. Over two years, they have seen lives changed: three salvations, seven recommitments, and numerous stories of personal healing. From a man released from prison finding hope to a 95-year-old discovering a new sense of family, the stories emerging from Dinner Church highlight the Holy Spirit’s profound work in this unconventional setting.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
“Keep a laser focus on the vision God gives you. Don’t be afraid to try things and learn as you go.”
Sandy’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, but her advice is clear: stay focused on the vision God provides and embrace the learning process. While some initiatives didn’t succeed, each misstep became an opportunity to better understand the community and refine their approach. For leaders considering Dinner Church, Sandy offers this encouragement: trust God, take the first step, and remain open to where He leads.
Sandy Johnson’s story of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores is a testament to the power of obedience, relational ministry, and God’s transformative work. By stepping outside traditional frameworks, she and Gary created a space where people from all walks of life experience belonging and renewal. Her journey challenges us to reconsider what church can look like and how we can better meet the spiritual and emotional needs of our communities.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways has God called you to step into something unfamiliar?
- How can shared meals foster deeper connections in your ministry or community?
- How do you remain sensitive to God’s leading in your daily life?
- What practical steps can you take to create a more inclusive ministry environment?
- How can you ensure your ministry is meeting the unique needs of your community?
- In what ways have you witnessed God restoring dignity in those around you?
- How can you create space for the Holy Spirit to work in unconventional settings?
- What one action can you take today to move closer to God’s vision for your ministry?
