Table Talk - Some Do Some Don't

This week on Table Talk, Pastors Kyle Gatlin and Nick Shepherd dive into the final episode of their Advent series by addressing why some churches observe Advent while others do not. Tracing the season’s roots back to the 4th-century Council of Saragossa, the hosts explain how Advent originated as a season of penitence and preparation similar to Lent, designed to anchor believers in the full story of Christ's birth and return.

The conversation then shifts to the modern challenge of people-pleasing within the church. The pastors discuss the tension between honoring meaningful traditions and catering to personal preferences, warning that avoiding historical rhythms can distract from the church's true mission. They also draw a parallel between rejecting church liturgy and the way social media algorithms create echo chambers, arguing that the liturgical calendar is essential for forcing Christians to engage with the whole Bible rather than just the parts they prefer.