I never expected to stumble upon a ministry calling while I was reviewing restaurants in Spokane, Washington. Workers would open up to me about relationship stresses and financial struggles. I found out that the restaurant industry in the United States has very high rates of drug and alcohol abuse. As a pastor of a church, I couldn't walk away from that need.
So I started Big Table, a program that invites around 40 people from the restaurant industry to sit around — what else — a big table and enjoy an amazing meal, prepared by local chefs and served by volunteers.
Big Table hopes to show those who have had negative experiences in the church that God loves them. A shared meal is a great beginning for that; it's a safe place.
— Kevin Finch '89, Big Table
