Table is a stationary form of campus witnessing. It involves workers stationed at a table in a good people-flow area. The workers sit at the table and wait for others to approach. They don’t bark (call out) but rather wait for the curious to approach. A well-positioned table will attract students. When students inquire, simply say, “It’s a survey. Want to take it?” Most will. If they ask what it’s about, say, “You.”
Table uses the following tools: Soularium and the Table Survey. Solarium is a great tool to use for the Engage part of the Tell Phase. The goal of Soularium is to create a fun conversation that allows workers to get to know people on a personal level. Table Survey is the last part in the survey process. We transition from Soularium to the Table Survey by saying, "The last part of the survey is written." We then hand it to them to read for themselves. Almost everyone is agreeable to filling it out. You can transition to Establish (the first stage in the Teach Phase) for those who say yes to the "Do you want to know more?" question.
Table requires keeping the overall purpose in mind. Use the materials to create a fun and friendly dialogue. As a rule, avoid topics that might create tension (morality) or spark debate (politics). Try to complete the Tell phase of disciple making by Informing people about the life Jesus offers and Inviting them to know more.
Target age-appropriate freshmen and sophomores if you’re on a community college campus. Thank those who don’t fit your group profile for taking the survey. Encourage them to find fellowship in a local church. Don’t own the responsibility of meeting the needs of those who are not age appropriate or who have needs that exceed the resources of your group. If, however, you’re an adult looking for people to disciple, be open to whoever God might be sending your way. Follow up with the same gender.
The following is a list of items for an effective Table experience:
Table uses the following tools: Soularium and the Table Survey. Solarium is a great tool to use for the Engage part of the Tell Phase. The goal of Soularium is to create a fun conversation that allows workers to get to know people on a personal level. Table Survey is the last part in the survey process. We transition from Soularium to the Table Survey by saying, "The last part of the survey is written." We then hand it to them to read for themselves. Almost everyone is agreeable to filling it out. You can transition to Establish (the first stage in the Teach Phase) for those who say yes to the "Do you want to know more?" question.
Table requires keeping the overall purpose in mind. Use the materials to create a fun and friendly dialogue. As a rule, avoid topics that might create tension (morality) or spark debate (politics). Try to complete the Tell phase of disciple making by Informing people about the life Jesus offers and Inviting them to know more.
Target age-appropriate freshmen and sophomores if you’re on a community college campus. Thank those who don’t fit your group profile for taking the survey. Encourage them to find fellowship in a local church. Don’t own the responsibility of meeting the needs of those who are not age appropriate or who have needs that exceed the resources of your group. If, however, you’re an adult looking for people to disciple, be open to whoever God might be sending your way. Follow up with the same gender.
The following is a list of items for an effective Table experience:
- A table and chairs. Any flat surface will do—cafeteria tables, picnic tables, or your own tables. Often, schools provide tables and chairs for official clubs. If not, bring your own. Be creative. Do what works.
- Soularium cards and the Table Survey.
- Candy. While not essential, when spread out on the table over the cards, it increases the number of people who stop. Some just want a sweet treat. Many enjoy the candy while taking the survey. We use Tootsie Rolls or Smarties since they don’t melt.
- Signage? We choose not to use signage. We allow our interactions with people to define us and create our identification with them. If asked, we say we are a campus ministry. We have found that many have taken the survey who might not otherwise have done so if we had a sign identifying ourselves as a Christian club.
- The Bible. We use online sites like Bible Gateway so students can access it on their devices. We use the NLT because it’s easy to read. We use them to teach students the One Thing Study. This is for those who say yes to the “Do you want to know more?” question.