A Seat at the Table: How Fresh Expressions Can Transform Communities
On Thursday evenings in Grayland, Washington, something extraordinary happens. At the VFW Youth Center, The Table Dinner Church comes to life. It’s more than a meal—it’s a movement. Led by Steven and Coleena Curry, this Fresh Expression of church is transforming lives by meeting people where they are and inviting them to experience the love of Christ in an unexpected yet deeply meaningful way.
For Grayland, a small coastal town with a median age of 63.5 and significant challenges of isolation and limited resources, The Table has become a sanctuary of connection. Each week, neighbors gather around a shared meal, breaking bread together just as the early Church did (Acts 2:46-47). What makes The Table so impactful isn’t just the food or the fellowship; it’s the way it embodies the gospel, offering hope, community, and a tangible expression of God’s love.
“We’re not just feeding people, we’re building a community where everyone has a seat at the table. And that changes everything.” – Steven Curry
Why Fresh Expressions?
The story of The Table is part of a larger movement that is reimagining church for the 21st century. Fresh Expressions are all about stepping outside traditional church walls and meeting people where they are. They embrace creativity, inclusivity, and contextual relevance, offering new ways to live out the mission of the Church.
The Fresh Expressions Journey—listening, loving and serving, building community, and exploring discipleship—is at the heart of The Table’s success. Steven and Coleena started by listening to their neighbors, discovering their longing for connection and belonging. They responded with a simple yet profound idea: what if church looked like dinner? What if discipleship started with conversation over a shared meal?
The results speak for themselves. Lives are being changed. A single mother found hope and support. An elderly man rediscovered purpose by volunteering each week. Barriers of isolation and loneliness are being broken, one plate at a time.
“Jesus didn’t build walls; He built bridges. We’re not here to preach at people—we’re here to love them.” – Coleena Curry
Transforming a Community, One Meal at a Time
Grayland’s demographic challenges could have been a barrier. Instead, they became an opportunity. Many residents face economic hardship and a sense of disconnection. By creating a space where everyone is welcome, The Table has become a beacon of hope.
Attendees describe the experience as life-changing. “I came for the food, but I stayed because this feels like home,” shared one participant. Another remarked, “I didn’t realize how much I needed people until I found this place.”
These stories aren’t isolated. They’re the fruit of a ministry that prioritizes listening, loving, and serving—a model any church can follow. The Table’s success is a testament to the power of incarnational mission: stepping into people’s lives, understanding their needs, and walking alongside them in faith.
“We’re living out the Great Commission in real-time. When we make disciples, we start by loving them where they are. That’s what this table is about.” – Steven Curry
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
The Table @ Westport
Where is it?
Westport, WA
Who is it for?
The Table @ Westport is for anyone seeking connection and community, especially those who feel isolated, economically challenged, or disconnected from traditional church. By offering a shared meal and authentic relationships, it creates an inclusive space where people can find hope and belonging.
What do they do?
The Table @ Westport provides a welcoming space where people can gather for a free hot meal, build meaningful connections, and experience the love of Christ in an inclusive and supportive environment. It’s not just about feeding people physically but also creating a sense of belonging and community for all who attend. Through shared meals, music, and heartfelt conversations, The Table embodies the gospel by meeting people where they are and offering hope and fellowship.
Who is the Pioneer?
Steven and Coleena Curry
Where can I learn more?
