About
Steven P Griffin
When most people think about poverty, their minds go straight to material needs—food, clothing, or shelter. But as Steve Griffin, pastor at Centre Street Church in Calgary and author of Come to the Table, points out, one of the greatest challenges faced by people living in poverty isn’t just financial hardship—it’s loneliness and isolation.
In a recent conversation on the PublishU Podcast with host Matt Bird, Steve shared the heart behind his new book and the work he does every day. His insights reveal not only the struggles of the marginalized but also the hope that comes when people are invited into authentic community.
Steve works on staff at Canada’s largest church, focusing on outreach to those in poverty. This includes people experiencing homelessness, individuals living on social assistance, and what he calls the “working poor”—families who may have jobs but still can’t earn enough to cover basic needs.
The pandemic has only amplified this reality. Many are employed, yet their wages fall short of providing food or rent, leaving them trapped in a cycle of financial stress and insecurity.
But what struck Steve most profoundly wasn’t just the lack of material resources. It was the isolation. “Psychologists say the number one problem in our world is not food and it’s not housing—it actually is loneliness,” he explained. “We’re trying to build a bridge that provides a place of belonging.”
Through the church’s Centre for the City initiative, practical needs such as food and clothing are met. Yet Steve emphasizes that these are only “doorways” to something more important: relationship.
Many of the people served have never experienced true friendship or belonging. Sitting down together, sharing meals, and creating space for conversation provides more than sustenance—it provides dignity.
“It’s about inviting people essentially to a table,” Steve said. “Food and clothing meet needs, but the larger part is building a place of belonging where, for many people, they haven’t had that before.”
Steve’s passion for writing was born out of this frontline work. His first book, Stuk, focused on walking alongside those in poverty and helping them take steps forward. But he always knew there was more to say.
Come to the Table became the next step in his journey—an invitation for readers to see beyond stereotypes, confront their fears about engaging with people in poverty, and discover the life-changing power of community.
The book highlights that building relationships with those who are different doesn’t require elaborate strategies. It starts with something as simple as sitting across a table, looking someone in the eye, and beginning a friendship.
One of Steve’s goals in writing was to address the objections people often have about engaging with those in poverty. Many feel they don’t know what to say, fear being taken advantage of, or assume the problems are too big to solve.
But, as Steve explains, the key isn’t solving every issue—it’s connection. “It’s much simpler than you think,” he said. “You can build communities together just by being present.”
In fact, Steve emphasizes that those who serve often receive as much, if not more, than those they help. Compassionate service breaks down barriers, challenges prejudices, and leads to shared transformation.
Interestingly, Come to the Table almost wasn’t written. Initially, Steve considered revising his first book instead of creating something new. But once he joined the PublishU “Write My Book” course, he realized this was a fresh project with its own voice.
Over several weeks, Steve committed to writing 5,000 words at a time, shaping his ideas into a book that carried his vision forward. The structure of the course provided accountability and momentum, turning what might have been just an idea into a published work.
“The process motivates you to write consistently,” Steve said. “It forces you, in a positive way, to create. And at the end, you realize you’ve produced something that can impact lives.”
Now published and available worldwide, Come to the Table is more than just Steve’s story. It’s an invitation to everyone. Whether you are part of a faith community, a local organization, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, the book encourages you to step past hesitation and discover the joy of authentic connection.
Steve hopes readers will see that serving others is not one-sided. “You receive as much, if not more, from the people that you serve,” he explained. “That’s the reality of community.”
In an era marked by division, digital distractions, and increasing loneliness, the call to build genuine relationships feels more urgent than ever. Poverty isn’t only about a lack of resources—it’s about being unseen, unheard, and excluded.
Books like Come to the Table remind us that belonging begins with small, intentional steps. A shared meal, a listening ear, or a simple invitation can be the beginning of transformation—not just for those living in poverty, but for us all.
Steve Griffin’s Come to the Table challenges us to rethink how we approach poverty and community. Beyond meeting physical needs, it calls us to create spaces of belonging where isolation gives way to connection.
Through his story and his book, Steve demonstrates that building community doesn’t require extraordinary resources—just the willingness to sit at the table with someone different, and the courage to believe that relationship itself can change lives.
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