What has more cultural significance in today’s world? Jesus or coffee? One of these spawned a religion that influenced multiple governments and empires since its inception. The other took off around the world and offered a significant economic boost to trading and agricultural industries. Many significant works of literature and music were created over a cup of joe. Both have become linked to American patriotism. Jesus, through extreme conservative ideals and coffee through acts such as the Boston Tea Party in which the colonies made the switch from British tea. Whichever conclusion you come to, it is safe to say that both have a very strong presence in society. And, in recent years, you may have noticed ways in which they’ve been teaming up.
When you walk into a local coffee shop there is a large chance you would find some kind of inspirational saying that hints at faith. You may even see bible quotes or crosses hanging from the wall. The presence of Jesus in coffee shops seems to be a growing phenomenon. So much so that I was hard-pressed to find a cafe in my town that wasn’t outwardly religious. I began to wonder why.
There didn’t appear to be anything wrong with it. They were by all means just regular coffee shops that offered some religious messaging. But when did this partnership begin? As I looked into it, I discovered that there are two kinds of Christian coffee shops. Shops owned by churches and shops owned by Christians. These shops may look similar but often function differently with separate goals.
Evangelism and fundraising
Cafes owned by churches often have the goal of fundraising for the church or evangelizing the community. These church-led shops often raise money in order to fund themselves and give back to the community. Supporting local businesses is generally better for communities than buying your $5.00 latte at a chain establishment. That being said, it can be difficult for people to trust that their charitable donations are put to good use. There has been no shortage of scandals around pastors that take home a hefty portion of church funds. While small local churches are far less likely to be putting money aside for a private jet it can still be hard to donate with confidence.
Drawing on the almost universal love for drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, and tea organizations like Coffee 4 Missions have sprung up. These organizations exist to help churches spread the gospel through coffee.
“It’s the missionary in us, but our heart is to see churches get outside of their four walls and reach the unbelieving world in a compelling, contemporary, manner with the consistent message of Christ’s love, grace and forgiveness. The coffee shop is one of the means.”
Sandy Toomer / Co-Founder Coffee 4 Missions
Coffee acts as a (church friendly) social lubricant. If you want to get to know someone better, you ask them to grab a coffee with you. Cafes offer an easy way to spend time with one another. They foster an environment where it’s normal to strike up conversations that often exist in passing, but have the chance to turn into deeper discussions around life and religion.
A city on a hill
Many Christian coffee shops are not backed by a larger organization, but are owned by an individual. While they may not run a Christian business, some may show glimpses of their faith through decor or music. This still draws in a large Christian customer base, but these types of businesses are often meant to be coffee shops and not tools for evangelizing the community.
South Carolina’s Bridge City Coffee is one of these shops. Owner, Greg Ward has been very open about how he is a Christian, but he doesn’t operate a Christian business. He discusses the importance of catering to everyone in order to properly serve the community.
“I feel like we (Christian business owners) are often too lazy and dependent on other Christians to fuel our business, rather than appealing to everyone and trying to be a true City on a Hill,”
Greg Ward for Common Good Magazine
This “City on a Hill” is a place where the entire local community can come together and socialize. Bringing together people from all walks of life is one of the best ways to strengthen a society. Local cafes like this may open up doors for groups of people who may see themselves as at odds otherwise. Across religious ideologies, class, race, sexuality, and so on.
Coffee is a drink that has become prominent in various subcultures to the point of jokes circulating based on the latte flavors each group enjoys. This gives coffee shops the unique ability to attract people from all areas of society. One can enter a Christian coffee shop and be just as likely to see a gay couple on a date or a youth pastor preparing their next lesson. Despite obviously Christian decor, the cultural significance of the drink makes cafes an almost neutral playing ground. Even when it comes to groups that might have differing beliefs.
The third space
The phenomenon of Christian coffee shops can partially be attributed to the need for third spaces. These spaces are defined as a social location aside from home or work. And, we’ve been experiencing a decline in thirds spaces since the 2008 recession. In 2020, an even sharper decline took place due to the pandemic. Virtual meetings with friends couldn’t replace the casual interactions offered by the third space. Since coming out of lockdown, people have been seeking these community building venues more and more.
Whether it is a religious individual setting up shop to foster a like-minded community or an established church opening a cafe for fundraising or evangelizing purposes, both rely on the allure of the third space. Religious spaces serve as one of the most prominent third spaces in society. It allows for social connection that often runs deeper than what can be fostered at a gym or park. As an added bonus, it often requires little to no money to be there.
With beverages like coffee and tea being enjoyed across a wide variety of cultures, coffee shops and cafes provide something for everyone. And despite prices rising, many are still able to find the spare cash for an occasional caffeinated treat. Whether you’re chatting it up with a friend, stopping in for a pick-me-up, or need something to sip on while you read, the local coffee shop is the place to do it.
That being said, it is obvious why these coffee shops are so valuable to Christian communities. A more casual place to congregate opens the doors to new discussions, new people, and a deeper understanding of their community. Cafes that hang bible quotes on the walls and play worship music offer additional comfort.
Growing community one mug at a time
Christian coffee shops have been around for a while, and it looks like they’re here to stay. There isn’t anything inherently malevolent about them. When they exist to pour back into the local community, they can be a good thing regardless of church affiliation. Coffee is such a widely loved drink that as long as a cafe has a welcoming atmosphere and good vibes, people will be going there.
Coffee shops have a special place in communities. They serve as a common ground for all groups of people. While the Christian religion is known to have issues with prejudice and acceptance, these shops could help open the eyes of some to the other members of their community. It may be wishful thinking, but church-managed cafes could lead to more positive interactions between believers and those outside of the church. Expanding everyone’s view of community and what they owe to the people living and working alongside them leads to positive change.
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