The idea of ministry in a coffee shop has been around for some time now. The book that coined the phrase “Third Place” (“The Great Good Place”) was written by Dr. Ray Oldenburg before 1990. We (Cornerstone Knowledge Network) brought Dr. Oldenburg up over six years ago to get his thoughts on churches and third places. He had some compelling insights but the admonition that has stuck with me is, “Third place is not an opportunity for the church; it is a responsibility.” And third places are not limited to coffee shops.
I have a pastor friend, Dave, that has been trying to develop a ministry opportunity in the café around the corner from their offices. It’s a great opportunity but nothing has come together yet. In the midst of trying to make that work, God opened up an entirely unexpected third place:
Dave’s church sponsors a softball team that is made up largely of people that don’t go to church; actually, guys that won’t go to church. Recently one of the guys invited Dave to the local fitness center for a weightlifting fundraiser. He was happy to go but was extremely uncomfortable among the buff and brawn. He realized that’s how these guys feel when they visit a church. He shared this with one of the guys and they both realized how similar the feeling would be. Out of that conversation came the idea of meeting in a room above the fitness center (that Dave didn’t even know existed). Following softball season, they plan to meet there on Tuesday nights. Spiritual conversations in relational space. Very cool.
The coffee shop ministry may still come together but I’m glad he wasn’t so focused on a certain way of doing third place that he missed where God was working. I’m glad his creativity didn’t get in the way of God’s.
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