"What if one of the most powerful ways to fight loneliness is to be fully present with the people right in front of us?" — Ian Simkins We live in a world where we can be constantly connected and still feel deeply alone. We're distracted by our phones, divided by our differences, and often too busy to notice the people right in front of us. What if one of the most powerful ways to push back against division, distraction, and loneliness is surprisingly ordinary? Pull up a chair. Share a meal. Be present. In this conversation, Alisa Keeton sits down with Ian Simkins, pastor at The Bridge Church and author of Every Table an Altar: Reclaiming Connection in a World of Division, Distraction, and Loneliness. Ian shares how the tables where Jesus ate, listened, welcomed people, and told the truth have reshaped his understanding of community, spiritual formation, and what it means to love our neighbors. This isn't just about hospitality or hosting a meal. It's about learning to see the ordinary places we already occupy as opportunities to participate in the kingdom of God. Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WBIQnkrlSg4 In This Episode The cost of distraction: How our phones and constant consumption of information can keep us physically present but emotionally absent. The grief beneath disconnection: Why recognizing what we've lost can become an invitation to change direction. Small steps toward a different life: Why spiritual formation is more like a crockpot than a microwave—and why small, faithful practices matter. Moving from division toward unity: How sharing a table with someone who sees the world differently can make it harder to dismiss their humanity. Taking the first step against loneliness: Why we can't always wait for an invitation and how curiosity helps us build meaningful connection. Learning to love through listening: Why being truly present with another person is one of the most practical ways we can love them well. An Embodied Practice You don't have to overhaul your entire life to begin. Ian offers a few simple ways to practice presence: Choose one meal this week to eat intentionally, without your phone. Turn off your phone for a set time so you can be fully present with the people around you. Go first. Invite someone to share a meal or coffee instead of waiting to be invited. Practice being more interested than interesting. Ask a question, listen closely, and make room for another person's story. Reflection question: What table are you already sitting at, and how might God be inviting you to bring more presence, curiosity, grace, or connection into that space? Meet Ian Simkins Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of The Bridge Church near Nashville, Tennessee. He and his wife, Katie, have three boys. His book, Every Table an Altar, invites readers to reclaim meaningful connection in a world shaped by division, distraction, and loneliness. Learn more about Ian: https://iansimkins.com/ Connect with Ian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iansimkins/ Get Ian's book, Every Table an Altar: https://iansimkins.com/every-table-an-altar READY FOR MORE? 👉 Join the RW+ Membership for faith-based workouts, health and wellness programs, and a community pursuing health and wholeness together. 👉 Become a Donor — Support the mission of Revelation Wellness and help us continue to train people to love God and their bodies so they can live like Christ. BONUS! Your gift is tax deductible! 👉 Get connected — revelationwellness.org | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook SHARE THIS EPISODE Know someone who feels disconnected, overwhelmed by distraction, or hungry for deeper community? Send them this episode as an invitation to slow down, pull up a chair, and be present. We'd love to hear from you, too. Leave us a voice message at SpeakPipe.com/RevelationWellnessPodcast
