The At Her Table Way: A New Pathway for Women to Gather, Grow and Lead in Their Community

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with women in church halls, cafés, lounge rooms, and around long tables across the country. I’ve listened as they shared a common ache: a longing for deeper connection, meaningful conversation, and a safe place to explore life and faith side by side with others.

From these conversations, a movement has quietly grown.

At Her Table began with a simple idea, to create beautiful, welcoming spaces where women could gather for open-hearted conversations. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this resonated, not only with women looking for connection, but with churches and ministries looking for a way to meaningfully engage their communities.

Today, I’m excited to share a new chapter in this journey: The At Her Table Way.

What is the At Her Table Way?

The At Her Table Way is a leadership formation pathway for women who want to host gatherings in their own neighbourhoods. It’s not a Bible study or a leadership course in the traditional sense. It’s an invitation to women to step into leadership with grace, authenticity, and courage - rooted in relationships and community.

Participants are guided through four modules of at-home learning and face-to-face conversations in a Community of Practice. We explore themes like the power of intentional hospitality, creating safe and inclusive spaces, leading from your story, and navigating difference with grace. It’s a formation journey that encourages each woman to lead as she is - no title, degree, or “churchy” language required.

Why this? Why now?

Churches are asking big questions about how to meaningfully connect with women and their communities beyond Sunday. Mission programs often feel stretched, and traditional ministry models don’t always meet women where they are, in the busyness of life, the quiet of spiritual curiosity, or the ache of loneliness.

The At Her Table Way offers a gentle, relational approach. It’s not about filling programs; it’s about forming people. It equips women to host safe, spirit-filled gatherings that can be a gateway to deeper relationships, faith exploration, and local mission. It’s a model that can sit beautifully alongside a church’s existing ministries or be used to pioneer new community engagement.

A tool for mission and ministry

For church leaders, this is more than a “women’s ministry” tool. It’s a way to invest in local placemakers, to foster leadership from the ground up, and to open your doors (or gardens, or cafés) to those who may never walk into a sanctuary but are hungry for belonging.

The At Her Table Way can be offered as a supported pathway for women in your congregation who feel called to lead. It can also be a missional initiative, equipping women to gather others outside the church walls in ways that are accessible, beautiful, and spiritually significant.

Come, take your place

We officially launch The At Her Table Way on July 1, and I would love to invite you to explore it. Whether you’re a woman longing to host, a pastor looking for ways to empower your congregation, or a leader seeking a model for community engagement, you are welcome at the Table.

You can learn more or register at: www.athertable.com.au/way

Together, we can create spaces where women feel seen, known, and empowered and where the Spirit moves in surprising and beautiful ways.

Lauren Harkness, Founder & Director At Her Table

"The At Her Table Way is a leadership formation pathway for women who want to host gatherings in their own neighbourhoods. It’s not a Bible study or a leadership course in the traditional sense. It’s an invitation to women to step into leadership with grace, authenticity, and courage - rooted in relationships and community." - Lauren Harkness