In 635 AD an Irish monk named Aidan was sent to reach the people of Northumbria, located in the northeast of England. Aidan’s group of monks established a rhythm of life and ministry that came to be known as Cave, Table, Road. This paradigm for effective ministry has become helpful for many seeking to live healthy, holistic, lives of Christian service. We can see it modeled in the rhythms of Jesus as well. Together as an organization, Novo is learning to integrate this paradigm into all that we do. Over the course of three years, we’re going deep and focusing on each element separately, in order to more fully understand and embrace Cave, Table, Road as a whole.
Cave
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
-2 Corinthians 3:18
The cave is the place of encounter with God’s word and presence. There are many literal prayer caves and “prayer cells” in Northumbria that were used by the monks to connect with God. Today, the cave is symbolic of time alone with God as well as times of seeking God together.
In the cave we are…
Encountering God’s presence in the word, worship, and prayer.
Reminded of who we are and who we belong to.
Transformed.
Guided to our missional assignments by the Spirit.
Renewed in the love, truth, and power of God!
Table
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
-Hebrews 10:24-25
The table is the place of belonging with supportive family and friends. For Aidan, it was the monks alongside him. For us, it is the people allowed into our lives for physical or spiritual food. It’s the place of hospitality, fellowship, and encouragement.
At the table we gather to…
Offer and experience hospitality.
Celebrate our wins and lament our losses.
Offer love, encouragement, and accountability to one another.
Pray for one another and our missional spaces.
Commit together to obey God’s lead.
Road
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:19-20
The road is the place of spiritual engagement in the world. During the dark ages it was customary for people of high rank (which would have included Aidan) to ride horses everywhere, but Aidan insisted on walking as the peasants did. He covered many miles on foot in the years he served Northumbria, striking up spiritual conversations and leading many to Christ. For us, the road is a symbol of our outward-focused mission to reach others with the good news of Christ.
On the road we…
Discern what God is doing and join him as the Spirit leads.
Humbly and consistently serve others with compassion.
Become the “friend of sinners” by building relational equity through presence and compassion.
Declare the good news in word, deed, and power.
Invite the spiritually curious into discovery opportunities.
Applying Cave, Table, Road to Your Own Life
What would it look like for you to step into Cave, Table, Road in your own life? It might not be very different from rhythms you already have—but could just be a helpful framework for becoming more intentional.
For example, maybe you’re familiar with the idea of a prayer cave (or closet), or have even tried to designate a special “prayer space” in your house. What would “the cave” look like for you? Prayer in a quiet corner before or after the kids are up? Some scheduled prayer retreats away? Invite the Holy Spirit to speak into it: “God, when would you like me to do cave time? Where would you like me to do it?”
And you’ve most likely sat at many tables. Have you had an especially supportive small group or group of friends? What could it look like to become more intentional about gathering together for encouragement, accountability, and support? If you’re not sure who those people would be, why not pray about it during your cave time? “God, who are some supportive friends I could spend time with at the table? What’s the next step for me to take?”
What about the road? Do you already have an obvious mission context where you are investing time? Maybe it’s a local church outreach; maybe it’s something more organic, like your workplace or your kids’ school. Ask God to reveal the places and faces he would like you to go and share the good news. “God, is there a specific place you want me to focus? Is there a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member you want me to pursue?”
Going Deeper
A couple of our leaders in Novo, Darren Prince and Bill Randall, recorded a podcast introducing Cave, Table, Road and how to incorporate it into our lives and ministries. Check it out below.