All About Open Table
Open Table Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), established in 2015, seeks to be a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children. We affirm the faith, baptism, and spiritual gifts of all who follow God, and we are glad to welcome into fellowship and service all people — no matter what race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, economic status, political stance, or theological perspective. We celebrate that ALL are part of God’s good creation.
Open Table Christian Church is a sponsor and
supporter of BoroPride since it started in 2016.
We strive to…
Seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.
Share God’s unconditional love for all of creation
Create a welcoming atmosphere for all, especially the marginalized, oppressed, and
disillusioned
Provide a safe place to say what we think and be who we are in a spirit of love
Ask questions without fear of judgment or the expectation of easy answers
Serve one another and our greater community with an emphasis on social justice
What we value…
We value people more than dogma.
We value diversity.
We value service, social justice, and equality.
We value unity not uniformity.
We value cooperation with other denominations and faiths for greater good and harmony.
We value open communion.
We value the participation of laity regardless of gender, sexual orientation, etc.
We value study and deep discussion.
We value asking questions as a way to strengthen our faith.
Q&A with Marcus!
How long have you been with Open Table?
I have attended Open Table Christian Church (OTCC) since February 2016, becoming a member in 2017. I have served on the Board in various positions since its creation in 2017. During the summer of 2021 our founding pastor Rev. George Cunningham announced his resignation effective in September. In February 2022, I became chair of the board for OTCC.
What is Open table like?
The congregation of Open Table Christian Church means everything to me. It has been my home church since 2016. The first time I walked through the door I felt welcomed, and that I belonged. That welcome is what first attracted me to Open Table. OTCC is a very special place welcoming everyone including the LGBTQ+ community. I am honored that the congregation has asked me to apply for commissioned ministry. I believe to serve people is to serve God, and I am honored to serve the people of Open Table.
Who influenced your decision to enter ministry and how?
There have been many people in my life who have encouraged me in this path to commissioned ministry. It started when I decided to dedicate my efforts to an independent music ministry in 1994. Throughout my life I have had to overcome barriers due to a learning disability. When I was young, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. I had the support of my parents, teachers, and church leadership to help me overcome this barrier. Reading comprehension was
difficult for me, but I found I related best through music. It was through music that my faith, and knowledge of God, Jesus, and all things spiritual grew. When I started writing my own original music, I learned through a friend and faith mentor, Trish Everman that the themes I was writing were actually Biblically based. Trish was the one who encouraged me to pursue my call to become a music evangelist.
How did you become minister?
Open Table Christian Church is a special place for me. A few months ago and
due to my service to the church, members of the Open Table board and
congregation began asking me if I would be interested in becoming a
commissioned minister, particularly since we have been unable to call a
settled pastor. I replied that if commission of ministry is what the
congregation desired, I would pursue it. Because the congregation voted
unanimously to approve, I believe God is present in this, and is calling
me to it. My heart is with this congregation, with providing a truly
Christ-like place for worship in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee, and I
believe that this will be a fruitful relationship for us all.
