GOD SIGHTINGS: OUR BLOG

In this eye-opening piece, Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes flips the script on how we view mental health by explaining that our chronic burnout and anxiety aren't personal failures, but the natural response to a "traumagenic" society. She traces how trauma shifted from a rare clinical diagnosis into a collective, everyday reality fueled by systemic oppression, modern technology, and political stress. It’s a validating and vital read that reminds us to stop asking "what is wrong wi

While standard hospitality often expects people to assimilate, radical hospitality offers an unconditional welcome that actively embraces and makes room for cultural differences. Rooted in biblical traditions of loving the stranger, this intentional posture transforms diverse spaces by prioritizing human dignity over conformity. Ultimately, it moves communities past mere coexistence and into deep, mutual connection where everyone truly has a seat at the table. Read the full a

As more Americans leave religion due to the mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, progressive and "post-evangelical" churches are actively working to confront and heal religious trauma. Rather than relying on superficial welcomes, these trauma-informed spaces foster genuine healing by elevating queer leadership, utilizing inclusive language, and granting congregants the autonomy to participate at their own comfort level. By openly addressing historically weaponized scriptures a

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, we continued our season of discernment with another Town Hall conversation. Our focus was practical and important: how do we continue shaping Sunday gatherings in a way that is meaningful, shared, and sustainable? Much of the conversation centered on reflections. After looking at a proposed calendar for the next quarter, we heard a desire to have reflections more often, possibly around twice a month, while also recognizing that this needs to be done

In this Faith & Leadership article, Mihee Kim-Kort argues that church conversations about LGBTQ+ people often stop at “welcome” or “inclusion,” when the deeper work is learning from LGBTQ+ communities and expanding our understanding of kinship, family, intimacy, and belonging. The article explores how churches can move beyond simply making space for people and instead ask what it means to build communities where people can truly flourish. Kim-Kort also invites churches to exa

A recent Religion News Service article by Bob Smietana looks at how women pastors have become a central point of conflict in the Southern Baptist Convention. While the SBC has long taught that only men should serve as pastors, the article shows how the issue has recently become more urgent and more publicly enforced, with efforts to exclude churches that affirm women in pastoral roles. At The Welcome Table, we believe with conviction that the Spirit gives gifts freely, withou

After enduring homelessness and drug addiction, Rock Hill couple John and Steph successfully rebuilt their lives by leaning on each other and a powerful network of local community organizations. Guided by compassionate police intervention rather than arrest, they navigated recovery, earned their culinary certifications from York Technical College, and secured immediate employment. Their inspiring journey highlights the transformative power of intentional community support in

Juneteenth—short for "June Nineteenth"—is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The holiday is deeply rooted in history, symbolizing both a delayed triumph and the ongoing journey toward true equality. Click here to read a history of Jun

In commemoration of National Loving Day, this article highlights the history and evolution of interracial relationships in America since the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia. Through a series of personal interviews, multiracial Americans share their unique, often challenging childhood experiences with identity, exclusion, and systemic racism. Ultimately, the piece reflects on how navigating these diverse backgrounds has fostered deep empathy, a stronger

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, New Life Lutheran Church in Dripping Springs rejects traditional walls to worship entirely outdoors beneath a canopy of oak trees. Led by the Rev. Candice Combs, this "inside-out" congregation fosters a deeply authentic community by connecting directly with creation, utilizing rustic limestone elements, and welcoming everyone—including roaming children and family dogs. Embracing the freedom from physical upkeep, the church is expanding its 1

Many people are experiencing a profound sense of "moral fatigue," a deep exhaustion that comes from sustained efforts to do the right thing, advocate for justice, and lead with integrity in a resistant world. Drawing on biblical wisdom from Galatians and the Psalms, this piece reminds us that while our compassion may sometimes exceed our capacity, we must allow ourselves to rest and rely on community without giving up. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful call to protect our s

"Find Love" by Emma Ceurvels is a heartfelt song written by a mother for her children, offering a message of hope and kindness as a way to overcome darkness in a broken and divided world.