Introducing The Table
Some of the most profound moments in life happen around a table. Stories are shared, laughter is heard, tears are welcomed, and hope is passed from one heart to another. It’s no wonder that Jesus spent so much of His ministry at tables with friends, with strangers, and with those the world had pushed aside.
This fall, two congregations – Real Life Community Church of the Nazarene and Barfield Church of the Nazarene – are coming together to continue that same story. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the community is invited to gather at 2022 E Main Street in Murfreesboro for the launch of something new: The Table: A Church of the Nazarene. The Table will be led by Rev. Thomas Crummer, Rev. Kristie Selvidge, and Dr. Jeremy Selvidge, shepherding the new congregation into authentic connection, spiritual growth, and mission.
“It became clear that Pastor Jeremy, Pastor Kristie, and I were united with a very similar vision for what our church should be about,” says Rev. Crummer. “As we began thinking about the name, we all landed in the same place. We brought Sarah Comer in to help make a logo, and we arrived at The Table: a Church of the Nazarene. Our vision statement encapsulates what both of our churches have always been about: real, authentic people, filled with the love and grace of Jesus, welcoming others into our lives to sit at our tables, to meet needs, and to know there’s always an open seat at Christ’s table and, consequently, at the Table of His church.”
The Table is more than a name; it is an invitation. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see Him again and again at tables. He sat with tax collectors and sinners, choosing presence over reputation. He broke bread with His disciples, offering Himself in love and covenant. He welcomed Mary to sit at His feet while Martha prepared food, teaching that both service and stillness matter at His table. And He spread the bread and fish before thousands, proving that in His hands, no one leaves empty. Tables in Scripture are where hope is shared, where life is given, and where God’s kingdom becomes tangible.
Dr. Jeremy Selvidge shares, “Jesus did some of His best ministry at tables. Lives were changed when Jesus was at the table. At The Table we will be a gathering place for real people to connect in honest, authentic ways. We will be a Table where all are filled generously with the transformative love of Jesus. We will be a Table where we are sent out intentionally to serve our world, regardless of people’s doubts or stories.”
The union of Real Life and Barfield is rooted in a rich history of faith. Nearly a century ago, Shady Grove Church of the Nazarene was established. From its faithfulness came Estill Springs, which later gave life to both Real Life and Barfield. The Table is not starting from scratch; it is the continuation of a story cultivated for generations, standing on the prayers, sacrifice, and devotion of those who came before.
Rev. Kristie Selvidge reflects, “We are so grateful for the collaboration we’ve had with Barfield Nazarene Church over the last year and a half. It is our hope that when people gather at The Table, whether in our physical building or at someone’s coffee or kitchen table, they would be filled with the hope of Christ. In return, we want to see people compelled to share with others about the God who transforms lives. Roll up your sleeves, use your talents, serve the Body, and make a lasting impact for the Kingdom with us. There’s a seat at The Table for you; there’s a seat at The Table for your friends. Invite someone, show up, and let’s see what God can do when two churches come together to leave a lasting impact on our community.”
The Table is a space to connect in authentic ways, be filled with the love of Jesus, and then be sent out to serve the world intentionally. “I have vivid memories of countless tables that God has used to form my life,” says Dr. Jeremy Selvidge. “We don’t have all the details, but one thing is clear: God is leading, and we are following. This next chapter for two amazing congregations is about letting Jesus bring heaven and earth together at The Table.”
So we invite you to join us. Launch Sunday is September 28th, 2025 at 10 AM at 2022 E Main Street, Murfreesboro. Come expecting a celebration of what God has done and anticipation for what He will do. This is a beginning that honors our past, embraces our present, and looks with hope to all He will do in the lives of those who gather, are filled, and are sent from His table.
The Table is set. The invitation is open.
Pull up a chair; there’s always room for you at The Table.