Editorial: “Is a Church’s Potluck Dinner a Litmus Test?”
Imagine you are visiting a church for the first time, the sermon has ended, the postlude has concluded, and members approach you to extend an invitation to potluck. You accept and are ushered downstairs to an abundant array of food. The room is filled with people of all ages mingling. The atmosphere is jubilant and you are told that as a guest, you are first in line to fill your plate. Perhaps the potluck is more than a free meal or a necessary ritual but is a litmus test for the spiritual health of a church.
Many of us can tell the difference between a good potluck and a bad potluck. Some signs of a bad potluck are when you’re not invited, but have to follow the flow of members. At best you’re looked at with confusion by members who don’t know if you’re a guest or a member that sits on the other side of the church. At worst you’re ignored, shuffled along, and talked over, sitting alone and eating microwave food brought by an elder who couldn’t bother to bring enough despite weekly reminders. In this type of church, members don’t know one another, let alone live life together, choosing to stay within their silos. This kind of church sees potluck as a performative ritual to pretend they are a healthy church, going through the motions with the kind of tension that comes from bad communication and reluctance.
A good potluck is more than the food, but the atmosphere. Potluck is a practice of hospitality. Hospitality invites graciousness, kindness, organization, and acceptance, all of which are variations of the fruit of the Spirit. To be a good host is to be a Mary and a Martha: eager to give from a heart of love, not obligation, and above all, be present with their guests.
A good potluck is a symptom of a healthy church. Members of all ages are taking part, moving like a well-oiled machine as they bring out food, clearing tables, and refilling plates. The members embrace you as though you’re entering their home, eagerly telling you about programs and upcoming events you might like. Because they aren’t consumed with internal problems, healthy churches have the emotional and spiritual space to embrace visitors. Adventist Today knows the value of hosting deeper conversations, creating a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can feast on humor, and insight, and highlighting the nuance of our church.
If you want to know a church’s health, start with their potluck.
Nicole Brown-Dominguez
News Editor, Adventist Today magazine and website
2 November 2024
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