Back to Blog
By Gabriel Roman
Last October, my wife and I joined the Gulf Atlantic Diocese as church-planting curates at The Table Church in Saint Augustine. We are passionate about sharing Jesus and excited about the diocese’s focus on Evangelistic Mission at Synod. As we adjust to life in a new place, we’ve been gripped by the idea of third spaces—where community naturally forms. What better way to meet people than at the places we already love?
Wherever we go, we now ask: “Lord, what are you doing here, and how do you want to invite us in?” The opportunities the Lord brings are amazing when we slow down, pray, and pay attention.
My third space is the pickleball court. I love being active, and a regular group of young adults plays daily in our neighborhood. Over time, I’ve built real friendships there. They know I work for the church, and many have begun asking questions about faith. One young man in particular has made it his goal this year to draw closer to the Lord. We meet regularly to talk about Jesus and the Bible. He has even started attending church.
My wife’s third space is the local coffee shop. One day, while with our toddler in the coffee shop, she noticed another young mom. They struck up a conversation and exchanged numbers. That connection has blossomed into a friendship between our families. Though they don’t yet claim to believe in Jesus, we have felt called to introduce them to a loving community of young Christian families. We are praying that the Lord will continue softening their hearts.
We also love visiting the beach, where time and again the Holy Spirit prompts simple conversations that lead to prayer and encouragement for others.
I share these stories because we aren’t doing anything extraordinary. We simply: show up in the places we already love, ask the Lord what He is doing, and obey His leading. When we pay attention, opportunities abound.
Imagine if everyone in our diocese made it a habit to pray, “Lord, what are you doing here?” wherever we go. How much more might the Kingdom break in — one coffee shop, one court, and one conversation at a time?
Gabriel Roman graduated from Trinity Seminary in 2024. He and his wife Elaina arrived (with their two children) as Church Planting Residents at The Table St. Johns, near St. Augustine, FL, last September. Gabriel worked in youth ministry for a few years before joining a traveling ministry that preached the Gospel to youth across the US. He enjoys sports, books, animals, and time with people. Elaina is a gifted worshipper, watercolor painter, singer, and coffee connoisseur. She has a heart for interceding for people in prayer. They have two lovely boys, Enoch (2) and Mateo (10 months), who keep life eventful. They are excited to learn and sit under the leadership of The Table while serving and preparing to plant. They have a heart and desire to represent Christ well in how they speak and live so that those who do not know the Lord would come to the knowledge and love him.
Additional Photo Credits
IMG_7184 • Gabriel Roman