The Family of God is like a Potluck

You thought potlucks were an American thing. You should see what Burkinabé-style looks like.

The table was absolutely loaded with the various dishes that each person brought: tô made of corn flour, tô made of millet flour, rice,mpeanut sauce, cabbage sauce, djo-djo (traditional Dagara sauce made with leaves, squash, and peanuts), riz gras (spicy, flavored rice), sen-sen (fried bean flour cakes), salade crudité, porc au four, drinks, and a pizza (okay, my American teammate brought that dish, but we have affectionately taught our Burkinabé teammates to appreciate pizza). 

It was so unbelievable that people were taking pictures of the table and of their plates, piled high like mountains. One look at such a gorgeous table and you had automatic permission to eat as much as you wanted because you could already tell there was way too much food. 

I invited our Burkina team (which includes our missionary team plus all of our national members who work so hard in each of our ministries) to share a potluck meal at my house before I leave for my two and a half month furlough in the United States. Every person came, each with their own creative dish, and together we shared a feast like none other. 

After the meal, we watched a slideshow of pictures from this past year and praised God together in singing and prayer, thanking him for the many things he has done for us individually and as a team this year. The potluck celebration was very much a celebration of Christ and all he has done. 

It was also a celebration of our team. Just as each person brought a delicious contribution to the dinner, so each member of our team brings a unique element to the group. God has given each one special abilities, skills, knowledge, faith, strengths, and spiritual gifts. Together we form a body, a team, a potluck feast. And just as we shared a meal together, so we have shared a year together. We have shared joys and burdens, prayers and testimonies, work and rest. Each person has brought something to the table, and each has taken a portion from what another has brought.

Yes, the family of God is like a body, and each member has its part. But I think the family of God is also a whole lot like a potluck meal. 

When we all come together as the church (the family of God or body of believers), we create a feast so large that it's too much for just us alone to eat; it's something that has to be shared. And so we share this hope, love, and gospel that has been given us, and anyone who is hungry can come to the table and be satisfied. We remember and recognize that each plate that is brought was originally given by God; he provides our daily food and he provides our spiritual strengths that we bring to the table. Therefore he is the source, he is the one who satisfies, he is he one who nourishes our souls. The table is his and he is at the head. We just bring what we have to offer, something he has given us that we return back to him, and then he prepares the table and uses us to feed a hungry world.