Gathering Guidelines

The Table of Sophia is a small circle, not a platform. These guidelines help us keep the space prayerful, honest, and safe for every woman who enters the room. They are simple, but they hold a great deal of peace.

1. We gather as sisters, not performers

No one comes to impress, correct, or dominate. We read, listen, respond, and let Scripture speak first. Insight is welcome; performance is not.

2. A gentle tongue is our shared language

We speak with patience, charity, and a willingness to be wrong. When someone shares, we receive before we critique. Honour is the rhythm of the table.

3. We protect the circle from disruption

This is a women-only space. Behaviour that seeks to steer, derail, dominate, or “teach” the group will be stopped kindly but firmly. If needed, someone may be asked not to return. Peace has priority over debate.

4. We do not argue for sport

Differences are expected and welcome, but we refuse quarrelling. We explore, we test, we ask questions — without slipping into point-scoring or ego contests.

5. We honour privacy and dignity

Stories, confessions, and personal experiences shared in the circle stay in the circle. We do not repeat them elsewhere without permission.

6. We practice spiritual sobriety

No one uses their “revelation” or “discernment” to intimidate, control, diagnose others, or shape the room around themselves. We test every claim gently and return to Scripture.

7. We protect the hostess and the home

We arrive on time, treat the space with care, and give notice if we can’t attend. The atmosphere depends on consideration.

8. We let the Spirit work quietly

Stillness, listening, and humility make room for God's presence. We avoid emotional manipulation, theatrics, or trying to push the group into a particular “experience.”

9. We do not rescue, overwhelm, or preach at one another

We listen. We support. We encourage someone to seek help if needed. But we are not here to fix, counsel, or diagnose each other.

10. We make room for quieter voices

If someone hasn’t spoken, we pause and open space. If someone has spoken at length, they pause and make space. This keeps the table balanced and restful.

11. We gather under Christ, not under an agenda

We are not creating a movement, a brand, or an alternative church. We simply want to meet Christ in Scripture and in each other’s presence — without hierarchy or spectacle.

These guidelines are here not to restrict, but to guard the peace that makes this circle possible. If you have questions or concerns, you’re welcome to speak with the hostess privately.

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