Church can be a loaded word for a lot of people, so we want to clarify what we mean when we say Open Table Oak Cliff is a church. We think of the Church - that is, the universal Church, the family of God - as being in some ways part of and in other ways distinct from the “world.” In the same way, the Church is part of what God is doing in the World, but isn't the same as God. Imagine a venn diagram with three overlapping circles of Church, World, and God. This helps us see that these are not neat and separate categories, but the three are interacting and affecting each other. God is at work in the Church and in the World, while the World and Church are also not absent from each other. At the center of this dance is Christ, animating and holding all three together.

Church can be a loaded word for a lot of people, so we want to clarify what we mean when we say Open Table Oak Cliff is a church. We think of the Church - that is, the universal Church, the family of God - as being in some ways part of and in other ways distinct from the “world.” In the same way, the Church is part of what God is doing in the World, but isn't the same as God. Imagine a venn diagram with three overlapping circles of Church, World, and God. This helps us see that these are not neat and separate categories, but the three are interacting and affecting each other. God is at work in the Church and in the World, while the World and Church are also not absent from each other. At the center of this dance is Christ, animating and holding all three together.

Open Table Oak Cliff is one expression of this dance, being  formed by the interplay of God's work and our own desires, needs and passion. We can use these overlapping circles of World, Church and God to describe Christian identity and belonging at Open Table.

Inside the “World” circle are folks we consider Neighbors. They’re near to us, maybe geographically or in other ways, but they wouldn’t consider themselves part of Open Table. Neighbors might identify as Christian, or might not. They are people we always want to stay in dialogue with. We would welcome them as guests, and graciously accept any hospitality they would offer.

The “Church” circle includes those we would consider Friends. Friends participate in Open Table in some way; maybe they’re just checking things out. Maybe they attend Gathering regularly but aren’t ready for anything else. But they are people who are part of “us” when we talk about Open Table. Also in this circle are a group we might call Siblings. These people make up what we describe as the “discerning community,” that is, people who are deeply invested in Open Table, and who participate in making thoughtful and prayerful decisions for the church. Discerning is a process that includes seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and looking for consensus within the community. It is work that those involved in Open Table expect to be doing regularly as the church grows and changes in response to God and the world.

The discerning community is made up of those who have said a formal “yes” to Open Table’s values and commitments. They’re the ones who are willing to take on responsibility for what happens at Open Table. Those who choose to become Siblings have full assurance that they are:

• Valued and cherished as those who are created in the image of God

• Adopted as children of God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ

• Uniquely gifted and essential members of the Body of Christ

• Empowered by the Holy Spirit with wisdom to discern where God is leading Open Table Oak Cliff

They commit to:

• Showing up - Siblings are active members in the life of the church, showing up to Gathering and other activities of Open Table. They show up honestly and authentically, with their strengths, flaws, hopes and doubts. They participate in worship, including music, prayer, sharing in the word, communion and baptism (their own or others'). They're willing to wrestle with God and not shrink away from difficult questions. Siblings show up for themselves, doing the hard work of understanding their own worth and growing in self-love. Siblings are involved in each other’s lives, not only to celebrate milestones and grieve losses, but to be present in the mundane and ordinary parts of life. They offer help and accept help when they need it. Finally, Siblings show up for their neighbors, loving others as they have learned to love themselves. They listen, share their resources, and stand in solidarity with their neighbors.

• Letting go - Siblings are letting go of some things in order to make room for something new. They are not afraid of the work of deconstruction and reconstruction. They don't favor beliefs or practices held up only by "this is the way things have always been done." Siblings will work on letting go of certainty in order to embrace mystery. Releasing their own power and privilege, they strive to lift up others. Siblings are letting go of things like overachievement and perfectionism, and instead are learning to rest in the work of God.

• Acting up - Siblings are ready to challenge the status quo, both within the community and in the world. Acting up means being willing to get into "good trouble," to challenge power and disrupt oppressive systems. Siblings speak up when they see harm or abuse. They'd rather make things awkward than let microaggressions slide. They show love like Jesus, acting in solidarity with the marginalized even when it's risky. Siblings aren't worried about social norms, embracing people who are often rejected for their differences, especially queer folks, people of color, the neurodivergent and disabled. With hope, they are working to build a world of flourishing for all people.

• Waiting on - Siblings are eagerly waiting on God's promised future, when all of creation will be made new. This waiting isn't passive, but attentive - watching for ways the Spirit is already at work to bring God's rule and reign on earth as it is in heaven. Siblings are seeking healing and reconciliation for themselves and others. They're keeping their eyes wide with wonder and curiosity, expecting God to be up to something new. They are flexible and open, comfortable with knowing they might be wrong, and that there's always more to learn. Siblings are willing to wait on others, allowing them the time they need for whatever they're going through. They're not pushy about their own agenda or timeline. They believe that things can and will get better.

Siblings won't be able to be or do all of these things all of the time as individuals, but the community as a whole will support one another in this work of faith, hope and love.