Welcome to the Table!
However you made your way here, we're glad to have you~
The core of our mission is to create spaces and conduits for life-giving conversations, connections, and community for South Asians
We serve as a vessel for God to reach the South Asian Christian community and the South Asian Diaspora. We create spaces and conduits for leaders, communities, ministries, and organizations to experience the love of Christ, collaborate, connect, learn, and find community.
Spheres of Influence
Social Media
Purpose: To spread the love of Christ, normalize deep and vulnerable conversations, and keep our community engaged with ongoing Brown Table initiatives.
Space: Instagram
Currently, we are addressing pride, shame, and the fear of judgment!
Community
Purpose: To create a welcoming, non-denominational space for the South Asian diaspora and beyond to explore faith, belonging, and intentional conversation.
Conduit: The Original Brown Table Talks
More versions coming soon :)
Spaces: Bible studies, Dinner parties, Game nights, Worship Nights, Brown Table Round Tables, and Conferences
Essentially, we're creating safe spaces for South Asians who are hungry for connection, outside of traditional church structures and denominational barriers.
Leadership
Purpose: To equip, empower, and unify South Asian Christian leaders across generations and regions.
Spaces:
The Table Collective
A network of consecrated, servant-hearted South Asian Pastors & leaders across the country. This is a space for leaders to be seen, known, and loved- not just for what they do. But for who they are. Together, we establish a unified front to model Kingdom Unity in a culture divided by caste, ethnicity, denomination, and pride.
Conferences and Networking Events/Meetings
The Brown Table: Embracing Community and Following Divine Guidance
It has been made clear that this is a journey that we as a team are taking in faith. The clarity received thus far is the purpose of the ministry- The Brown Table is to be a vessel, creating spaces and conduits, with community, connection and conversation at the forefront.
As of now, there isn’t a stone-cut vision for what The Brown Table as an organization looks like, or what it will be. It will continually evolve and adapt to address the community's needs, working in collaboration with leaders and churches nationwide.
The core of The Brown Table is community, so it is built by a community. We continue to curate a team of incredible people who are the visionaries for what is currently happening and what lies ahead. In this journey, each time we write “we” and “our,” it is in reference The Brown Table team, as well as the people across the country who are actively leading conversations, building community, praying, and providing feedback.
Why The Brown Table?
Whether it’s a sturdy pine, classy mahogany, sleek glass, or one fresh out of a box from Ikea/Amazon, a table can become the heart of any home. It’s where old friends catch up, new friendships start, and where you might hear everything from hearty laughter to deep conversations. What happens around the table can really shape the lives of those sitting at it.
But we’re not just talking about a physical table here; it’s more about what that time together represents. A lot of people today feel isolated and overwhelmed, missing out on those meaningful talks that matter. We’re craving connection and belonging, and there’s so much more out there for us.
The table stands for family, community, and being truly present with each other. It shows our deep need to be known and loved. In Scripture, the table is where God meets us and provides for us. He sets the table and joins us there, sharing in our lives.
Meet the Team
We're just a group of friends with the same heart of building God's Kingdom, loving others, creating change, and asking good questions.
Serious job titles aren't our thing, so we had fun with it~ We do actually have different roles & responsibilities associated with our silly titles.
King of Questions
Aaron Chacko
He's an absolute legend- goofy, loyal, incredibly intentional, and the OG of the crew. However, he can be mysterious at times, hence why we don't have a photo of him.
More to come soon
Founder
Priya Johnson
Passionate about loving people, asking meaningful questions, and exploring what it truly means to be human.
Weaver of Words
Imagery Architect
Kezia Vinu
Maci Thomas
She's the prayer warrior of our generation, a cat mom, and never fails to drop a profound, sweet or roasting comment at the best moments.
More to come soon
She's commonly equated to a cup of chai in human form, but really she is so much more. Maci is a breath of fresh air, Texas summer sunset, and light of hope- in human form.
More to come soon
My story of why it began:
Growing up in the Malayalee church and deepening my faith in multiethnic settings, I’ve seen how much of my spiritual, personal, and emotional growth happened around a table—sharing stories and asking questions.
My experiences as both a leader and member of Churches and Christian Organizations have spanned various demographics and cultures. In 2023, I felt a strong call to shift the focus on people who share my background, and helping them feel safe, seen, and loved.
In seeking guidance for the next chapter of my ministry, I’ve asked two key questions to South Asian friends, leaders, and colleagues:
-
What do South Asian Christians need the most right now?
-
What does the Church as a whole need right now?
The recurring theme has been a profound need for genuine community. Across the country and among different ethnicities and denominations, this need is deeply felt.
I’ve experienced loneliness firsthand and understand the challenges of navigating a new city, making adult friends, and engaging in deeper conversations. I firsthand recognize that trauma, conflict, expectations, judgment, and criticism can create barriers that inhibit our ability to connect and build healthy relationships. But I’ve also felt the incredible relief of finding a supportive community, discipleship, mentorship, the joy of unexpected connections, and the uplifting power of a healthy, encouraging environment. My journey and the essence of this ministry are rooted in the communities that have shaped and supported me over the years.