Many days you will find me sitting in Starbucks, Bible open, Computer open, or book in my hands working away on plans, sermons, blogs, and reading. Those who know me well know that I don’t do much in my life without thinking through it. I have a reason for just about everything I do. With that said I spend time at Starbucks for many reasons. Here’s why:
Missional Living – As a pastor I don’t see many people who either are not Christians or are not being drawn to Christ by the Holy Spirit. So, basically, I usually don’t interact with people who are in desperate need of the Gospel. But, the people at Starbucks don’t have a clue about who Jesus is.
Intentional Relationships – Now I’m not attempting to romanticize me drinking coffee at Starbuck but I truly feel that Jesus if He was on earth today would not spend all His time in an office alone, He would be out and among the people.
Input – I have different opportunities to speak into the lives of many people just by being here.
Contextualization – I have a chance to hear what people are talking about, what people are going through, their struggles, joys, hardships, concerns etc…
Why do you do what you do? Are you living with intentionality, or just going with the flow?
We need to be a light for the lost. People should see something in us that they want. God will put opportunities in our life where we can share our faith and hope. Be open for theHoly Spirits leading. It just may be at Starbucks for some, at a gym, at a ball game. God knows!
I would have never thought that Richard would comment on our Blog. Your becoming more and more a tech guy!
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I'm with you here. That's part of why I wonder if it makes sense for most of us to keep our 'tent-making' jobs rather than ever becoming full-time staff at a church.
I don't know Ray. I think that, for me at least, working full time gives me more time to focus on ministry, and study. The one thing is that we have to be intentional about getting into the world. My intern is required to be in a public place studying so that he can do the above. Couple questions Ray.
Are you full time? If so how do you connect with people 'in the world'? Any help or thouhgts on how we could do this better?
Thanks for reading, looking forward to your response
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I used to have a Starbucks ministry when I served down in South Florida. "My" Starbucks was across the street from a Jewish Temple. Every day I would go into Starbucks with some of my students or leaders and we would read the bible. After a while, we noticed a few of the Jewish men moving closer and closer to us. Within a few weeks, a group of 3 Jewish men were joining us daily in our bible reading. We had the privilege of leading all three of them to the Lord in Starbucks within three months!
Starbucks ministry works!!