Teatime Discipleship: Sharing Faith One Cup at a Time

by Sally Clarkson

Cultivate Friendship, Feasting, and Fellowship

As a mother, friend, and traveler, Sally Clarkson has witnessed on countless occasions how a shared cup of tea can impact a heart. These simple moments of hospitality become poignant opportunities for women to support each other in faith while drawing nearer to God.

With Teatime Discipleship , Sally invites you into her beautifully photographed home, pours you a steaming cup of tea, and shares the prayers, Scripture, stories, recipes, and traditions that are dear to her heart. You’ll experience the incredible gift of teatime as you take in eternal truths about God’s love and design while learning how you can use your own unique gifts to share with others the beauty of a life redeemed by Christ.

When the atmosphere has been set and the table has been laid, we come together to encourage and strengthen one another, welcoming each other to experience the richness of God. Teatime Discipleship will help you rediscover the joy of gathering others around you and sitting at the feet of Christ to listen together to His life-changing story!

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Discipleship, Tea

208 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

About the author

From working on college campuses, to sharing the Gospel behind the Iron Curtain as a missionary, traveling around the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia to speak on discipleship, Sally Clarkson has tenaciously sought after God's kingdom, and has used her ministry to encourage others to do the same. From her best-selling books such as Own Your Life, Desperate (with Sarah Mae), and her latest, The Lifegiving Home, Sally has shared from her heart and home about the value of motherhood and the potential for home to cultivate life, love, and faith. In 1995, She and her husband Clay founded Whole Heart Ministries, which has encouraged thousands of families around the world in discipling their children

Reviews

[AnnaScott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my core aesthetic. Jesus, tea, literature, community, beautiful blue teacups on the cover - all of it.

On a more useful note, I absolutely loved this book. There was nothing necessarily groundbreaking about its contents, but it was a beautiful reminder to slow down and set my priorities straight. Whether it means something as simple as pausing to make a cup of tea when I'm stressed, or hosting a big tea and welcoming friends and family, this book made me want to slow down and appreciate the important things in life. Some of the highlights of this book include:
- An extensive list of teas and what they are best paired with
- Sally's favorite recipes for hosting friends and family
- Simple ways to bring discipleship and hospitality into your own life

The only downside to this book is that I didn't know it was a coffee table book until after I started the audiobook, so I missed all of the beautiful pictures that I'm sure were in the physical copy.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.

[Ana on the Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Teatime discipleship” it’s a little book about hospitality, love and devotion. Sally Clarkson shares with us some moments of her walk towards Christ, specifically the moments she was called to be there for others. Truly a blessed testimony filled with bible verses and some enticing recipes to inspire you to bless others.
The audiobook, narrated by the author, is as soothing and tender as you would have wanted it to be.
Truly a must read for all christian women.

[Elizabeth Santelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful coffee table book. Taking time with it is like flipping through a beautiful magazine, but in the process your soul gets fed. I want to try several of the recipes and while I read I put on the suggested playlist!!

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a blessing to me. As someone who loves tea time and hosting people for tea while talking about Jesus, I found it so encouraging.

It reminded me to keep meeting with people and discipling ladies, because those moments are so sacred and personal. There’s just something about how much can be shared over tea!

I also loved the recipes and the fun little side stories. Sally feels like a mom to me—she’s so full of joy and wisdom! Every book of hers I’ve read has been such a gift, and this one was no different.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book with beautiful pictures and delightful recipes. I love her ideas for bringing people into our lives, the necessity of tea time and conversations. We need more of this in our busy lives.

[Leah Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't offer much as far as deep theological insight and yet I found it profoundly inspiring. I feel inspired by Sally's creativity and intentional relationship-building skills. This book has revolutionized how I view my role as a mother and my calling to discipleship.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely! The teatime vibe in this book reminded me of many of my favorite people and families. I'll be buying a physical copy so I can underline every other sentence!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Clarkson has written something truly encouraging and I listened to this as an audiobook. With my busy life I listen to a lot of my books and highly recommend this. It’s 3 hours and 29 minutes long. The author actually narrated it and she did an excellent job. I visualized everything.
It had recipes sprinkled throughout and just plain one on one encouragement. It was refreshing with lots of ideas for refreshing. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.

[Vanessa Chesebro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an okay book. I read it very quickly just to get the gist- if you slow down there’s a good chunk of meat in there- grow in doing hospitality well, consider others more important than yourself, ask good questions, provide a place or person where others feel valued and safe to share hardships and sin. Her recipes looked tasty. But you have to sift through what is descriptive and what is prescriptive.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice short listen! Only 3.5 hours run time and within that each chapter was less than ten minutes long. And Sally’s narrating voice is so sweet, calming, & inviting. Plus I always enjoy an audiobook more when it’s read by the author.
That being said, I think the nature of this book makes it more successful in print form - in audio you miss out on the experience of all the photos and recipes.

This book would make for a beautiful coffee table book or addition to your shelf of recipe books. It would also be a lovely gift - think wedding showers or Mother’s Day!

In a way, Sally’s approach can seem to speak of customs and patterns of hosting that more fit a time gone by, but I found her principles of warmth and beauty and hospitality applicable to any society or season. I valued her admonition & practical tips to implement hospitality & the love of Jesus to others in any season of life the reader may be in. I deeply connect to her value of making home a haven for all who enter, both family and guests.

A favorite quote:
“Cultivating a life filled with beautiful rhythms, life-giving rituals, and attitudes of gratefulness shapes our hearts and minds amid the storms. Our agency to believe in God’s goodness and faithfulness will make every day meaningful, every day a gift, as we wait with hope.”

Thank you to DreamscapeMedia and NetGalley for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Brianna Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute book- with lots of awesome recipes! It’s a good reminder of how to slow down and bring discipleship into your home and life. I loved that she thought of different ways to show that Jesus was present in her home and ways to make her faith a part of her every day. There are so many great conversations that can happen over a hot beverage and it’s to easy to get people to open up over a coffee or tea.

[Caylee Connelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s cute!

The info was sweet and encouraging for those trying to establish rhythms of hospitality and discipleship in their homes both with their families & with friends, even strangers.

I didn’t find anything to be life changing but the recipes & recommendations were a nice addition.

[Kristin Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book of love, encouragement and challenges. I loved it!

[Jenna Gareis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five things about Teatime Discipleship by Sally Clarkson 📚📚📚

1. I received an ARC of the audiobook for this one and I’d like to start by saying that I’m sure a great deal of its charm lies in the photography that was not part of my reading experience.
2. The written content of the book is straightforward. Nothing that hasn’t been said before. Nothing profound on the subject of homemaking or relationship building or discipleship. Yet, it was still entertaining.
3. There are some tea recipes.
4. It’s impossible not to appreciate Sally Clarkson. She’s kind, warm, inviting and genuine. All this shines through in her writing.
5. I think this would make a nice Mother’s Day gift or something like that. Not sure it’s got enough meat on its bones to be a hearty read/listen but I’m sure the physical edition has a lovely presentation.

[Laura Day]

Sweet and simple, nothing stuck out in particular. I wouldn’t call this a must read but as an audiobook it was a soothing listen in the car.

[Jessica Perteet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little repetitive from her other works but I enjoyed the recipes and beautiful coffee book style with the gorgeous photos. She has a mother daughter tea book coming out this fall too!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like sitting down with an older saint who has wonderful and practical tips to share on making life beautiful. 🥰 this book is like a warm hug

[Gabrielle Houweling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally's writing is enjoyable and easy to read. This is a nice "coffee table" book, and I like how she included recipes and inspiration for tea times

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not just beautiful to look at, with gorgeous photos and recipes, it’s filled with words of life and wisdom. I know I will be returning to this book again and again.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sally Clarkson. She is such a productive, loving, calming, mentoring voice for so many of us young moms, wives, and homemakers. This book is beautiful. I loved looking through the photos of ornate teacups, gorgeous centerpieces, fresh cut flowers, delicious treats, and glimmering candles.

I read a short chapter at a time every day or two and it always made me feel encouraged and inspired to continue making hospitality and discipleship a priority. Discipling my kids is my top priority in this season. Even though I have two boys, they can still enjoy some fun special treats like you typically have in a tea time!

I’m excited to try out Sally’s scones, chilled raspberry soup, butter pecan French toast, and chocolate chip mousse cake recipes!

[Bethany Feustel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A manifesto for cozy hospitality, in particular among women, to set the stage for deep discipleship. If you don’t drink tea, you might need to paste on a grin for the first quarter of the book, but stick with it. Sally’s passion for the Lord and sharing her experience based wisdom with her readers is well worth the read. I’ll admit that hospitality is a huge priority and joy in our family culture, so this book spoke straight to my heart. I’m not exactly sure what it looks like for me in the little years of child rearing (and bearing) but I do know I have renewed vision thanks to Sally.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I really enjoyed this book and its interactive elements, as well as recipes and text from the author. It gave me a good deal of insight into Clarkson herself and her family, a bit lighter perspective than in some of the other books I've read by the Clarksons (not a bad thing at all! Both are great).

There was a reference to "your truth" (a pet peeve of mine, I'll admit) - why it didn't get 5 stars from me from the get-go. :D But that aside, the book is excellent and one I'll revisit.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loveee this book! She's so inspiring and reminds us of what happens when we come out of our comfort zone and reach out to people, when we are proactive and just invite someone over for tea we can discover some wonderful souls!

It's Beautiful what happens when we are intentional and don't just wait around for other people ( who might or might not) initiate .

As women, we need each other more than ever .
To develop deep friendships so we can talk about real things, not just the pretty insta pics .

Def recommend!

[Taylor Lent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little book about hospitality and discipleship. You get a sweet glimpse of her heart to love others and share Christ with them.

Side note - I listened to this one & I would recommend you read it instead. She has lots of fun recipes and discussion questions that I didn’t get to fully enjoy through audio.

[Rachel Quezada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like sitting at a table with the type of mentor whose every thought seems wise and tender. Full of practical, creative ideas for making a home hospitable and warm for the family and anyone else who might come into it, I also gleaned applicable wisdom for tending to my own heart through simple, faithful routines in the midst of a busy world. Such an easy, sweet read.

[Elise Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Justin Earley's Grandma wrote a version of his Made for People book, this would be it.

This book talks about the importance of loving and hosting others and includes many delicious sounding recipes! I've put the physical book on hold so that I can document a few of her recipes to add to our collection.

My big takeaway from this book is to make time for others, including your family. Simple treats and a cuppa can make everyone feel loved and cared for even on hard days.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book and loved hearing Sally's words in her own calming voice. Now I really want a copy in my personal library for continued encouragement and her recipes. I can't wait to start a new tradition of Christmas tea!

[Lmichelleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this back in May or June and enjoyed Sally's words of encouragement, as well as the beautiful photography. I shared some of the ideas here at our church mother daughter tea and continue to enjoy inviting friends over for a cup of tea and a chat. I plan to try some more of the fun looking recipes too!

[Tiffany Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally always has such thoughtful and wise things to share, and I enjoyed her ideas of incorporating tea time as a sweet ritual in a quiet time with God or fellowship with others. I’d love to start this with my kids!

[Beth Lorow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book with ideas and encouragement for carving out special (tea) times with your daughters. Scripture is prioritized, as is tea. Since I'm entering a new homeschool season with both of my girls, this book was especially inspiring.