HOW COFFEE SHOPS HELP ME QUENCH MORE THAN THIRST
I love coffee shops!
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about how coffee shops fit into our lives as Christians. For me, coffee shops are a place where I quench my thirst. Obviously, physically through coffee, which I seem to take in gallons of! But it’s more than that.
During quiet mornings at coffee shops, I enjoy quenching my thirst for living water.
In John 4, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman by a well. He says to her,
“If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (Jn. 4:10)
Don’t get me wrong, I met Jesus many years ago, so theologically I’ve had all the living water that I need. However, when I get into a coffee shop when it first opens, it seems like there are only 3 people awake; me, the barista and Jesus.
Typically, the barista’s too busy to chit-chat. This makes it really easy to connect with Jesus and take in another full mug of living water. For whatever reason, the atmosphere of a coffee shop helps me focus on Him, allowing Him to quench my thirst for another day.
I read Scripture, I pray, I think, I contemplate, and soon I begin to write.
Quiet mornings in coffee shops don’t last long!
Soon enough, you’ll begin quenching your thirst for social interaction.
As I unpacked in yesterday’s post, coffee shops are always hubs for relationship. Daily banter about politics or the weather. Or retelling a hilarious story, laughing so hard that the staff’s gaze makes you feel like you’re about to get kicked out.
But you never do.
On the flip side, other conversations delve deep into personal struggles and relational wounds. Ideally, these topics shouldn’t be shared in such a public setting. And yet at a private table in the corner, it seems safe.
It’s not uncommon to see two or three people sharing in some heartache. Though you would never know the context of the conversation, you can see their pain. Coffee shops are communities interacting on the deepest level possible.
From laughter to tears, and everything in between. All of it taking place at a variety of tables, day in and day out.
Though I haven’t fully figured it out, this phenomenon of Western culture has to be explored by church leadership. I am certain that we would gain further perspective into how we can reach these communities for Christ.
Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts:
What do you enjoy most about coffee shops?
I get all of my work done at coffee shops! I’m always working on a sermon or doing administrative stuff. I work best in the midst of the hustle and bustle of people all around me. Recently, I’ve begun to leave my Bible wide open for anyone to see (even if I’m not using it). It’s become a great way to meet other Christians at coffee shops and just talk. This week alone, I met a local senior pastor, a pastor’s son, a worship leader, and a group of friends. Don’t you just love meeting new people?
That’s awesome Brian! Networking is a key piece to what I believe God has called me to do. Sitting in a church office is not conducive with God’s call on my life. Therefore, working in a public setting for a couple days per week is beneficial, as you have mentioned.
Thanks so much for taking time to read my thoughts! I greatly appreciate your support.