Every Table an Altar with Ian Simkins

Host Andrew Camp interviews Ian Simkins, lead pastor of The Bridge Church near Nashville and author of “Every Table an Altar,” about how food and tables form people and reveal God’s heart. Simkins describes being raised as the oldest of seven in a home marked by biblical hospitality, then explores how first-century table fellowship signaled power and exclusion, making Jesus’ frequent, often subversive table practices—eating with “those people” while not cutting off Pharisees—statements about the Kingdom. They discuss modern screen-driven isolation, the table as an antidote that fosters curiosity and in-person connection, and practical ways families and churches can build formative rhythms. They address communion’s past-present-future meaning, misconceptions about “unworthy” participation, and hospitality as philoxenia rather than entertainment, including justice, sacrifice, and feeding the hungry. Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of The Bridge Church just outside Nashville, Tennessee and the author of Every Table an Altar (Zondervan). He and his wife, Katie, have three boys who keep their home incredibly loud and their table beautifully full.Follow Ian Simkins: Instagram - @iansimkinsWebsite - iansimkins.comEvery Table an Altar Book - everytableanaltar.com Follow Andrew CampFacebook: andrew.camp.9Instagram: @andrewcamp80Substack: @thebiggesttableThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  (00:00) - Welcome and Ian’s Story (02:56) - Jesus and Subversive Tables (15:09) - Communion and Real Hospitality (32:33) - Unearthing God at Work (33:47) - Becoming Guests and Hosts (46:47) - Sacrifice and Hunger Justice