I believe the church is to be a cultural change agents in our communities, but the truth is that many coffee shops have taken some of that responsibility. Starbucks supposedly began trying to be the “Third Place” for the community. Borrowing from a sociological theory by Roy Oldenburg of everyone wanting a place besides home and work in which to feel welcome, Starbucks has become the “Cheers” place where if I come often enough everyone knows my name. There was even a sign in Starbucks recently inviting customers to serve the community with them. The church I pastor has a Gather, Grow and Serve strategy of discipleship. Starbucks appears to capture two of those attempts.
Regardless of whether you believe coffee shops can change culture, the newest one in Lexington, KY raises the bar in a coffee shop experience. And, frankly, I believe they are better engaging the community with their mission than many churches are with theirs.
And personally, I believe…
Every church
Every business
Every pastor
Every leader
Can learn something from this coffee shop experience.
A Cup of Commonwealth opened recently in Lexington. I frequent a lot of coffee shops, but I was out of town the week they opened. I caught them in their second week. Wow! They blew me away with the excitement and energy they have rapidly created. Owners Salvador Sanchez and Chris Ortez impressed me greatly.
Here are a few observations:
They know their stuff – Coffee 101 not, this is coffee expertise at work. One of the owners, Salvador, (Most folks seemed to call him Sal, but he introduced himself to me as Salvador. Probably because he saw me as old enough to be his parent.) told me he had been Central America to tour coffee productions. They spoke the coffee language (which I don’t, but many do).
They created an experience – It was an enthusiastic atmosphere. The place was enjoyable. They joked with customers. They had unique offerings. Apparently things have changed just since they opened with some of their decor. (And will change weekly)
They have vision – It is clear they want to provide exceptional coffee in a way that engages the community. (The picture above is painted on their wall.) Nothing appeared to distract them from this vision.
They acclimated first timers – Every time someone entered the door, if they didn’t know them, they took them through a mini tour of the experience. It wasn’t a canned presentation, but it provided the basic information one would need to understand the uniqueness of this place.
They engage comfortably – They made everyone feel welcome, but they seemed to interact with you depending on your level of interest. If you simply wanted a cup of coffee, they learned that soon enough to leave you alone, but if you wanted someone to talk to, you got that also.
They followed through – The next day they connected with me on Facebook. They actually “liked” some of my posts.
They provided quick entry to feel a part of the vision – The most unique item was their “Pay It Forward” board. A large, handwritten piece of paper hangs on the wall. (See picture below.) It contains drink orders prepaid for future customers. You can take one or add one. You can make up unique requirements for the type person you are looking to bless. (An attorney. A homeless person. Someone willing to sing a song. Etc.) I bought a large cup of coffee for someone besides my own. In 10 days, I was told they’d been through 4 of these large pieces of paper.
It was interesting to watch how quickly customers were engaging in something exciting…something unique…something they felt gives back to the community.
Of course, the key to all this will be whether or not they can sustain this energy. Apparently when I entered, 10 days after opening, the two owners are the only employees. They are new and excited. If they can, however, I believe they have a very successful business model.
But, I’m not in the coffee business. I am a church leader. I always want to be learning how I can do what I do better. And, honestly, I learned some things from this coffee shop experience.
Anything jump out at you that could improve what you do at your church?
(Okay, I have been blogging long enough to already anticipate the push back on even my logic behind this post. Some don’t think the church should or even can learn anything from the secular world. The Bible is our guide. I hear that. I’m a Bible guy. Cover to cover. But, let me ask you…where did you learn how to write a church bulletin…or even to have one? Who taught you how to register kids in preschool? Please quote chapter and verse if you choose to answer.)
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good,thanks for sharing
Thanks for your public conversation about the importance of community coffeehouses as complements to traditional Church gathering places. Both my wife and I went to seminary bit never went into traditional pastoral/priestly callings. I have done coffeehouses and other forms of third places for the past 40 years now and know Ray Oldenburg well. I wrote a chapter in his book “Celebrating Third Places” which is about a project in Cincinnati that I led called “Old Saint George” ( a great good place for community and spiritual renewal). That project was the subject of th chapter in Oldenburg’s book.
I look forward to visiting the coffeehouse in Lexigton and hearing their story firsthand.
Very cool. Thanks for sharing this.
Great post, as always, Ron. I’ve noticed many retail outlets (even our local grocery store) have picked up the “welcome to our store” welcome for every customer that enters. Corny? Somewhat. Effective? I think so. What about our churches? Do we all turn and yell (literally and/or figuratively) “welcome to XYZ church!”?
Good thought.
Jesus was a Torah man but he definitely showed us the Samaritan lived out the Spirit of the Torah –chesed…
Ron – thank you for the illustration and the recommendation to learn from the world around us. This post reminds me of a book I recently read entitled, "The Starbucks Experience." I kept thinking how much the principles applied in that book would help so many of our churches. I believe God allows us to experience so many different situations in life so as to learn and glean principles and truths whereby we can share with those around us.
I've heard of it but not read it all—Sent from Mailbox for iPhone
Thanks Ron for this info. For the past couple of months I have been trying to get my head around how to create culture. My wife and I took on the lead role at our church back in April. This is a church that has gone through 3 lead changes in less than 3 years. – ouch. We almost feel like we are a church plant. We are working hard to change the culture. I will probably use this (I hope it is ok) at a future staff meeting.
Love it. Thanks!
Ron I believe in serving others. I also believe you should have a plan how to Serve others. That plan should consistently get better and change. Kinda like selling coffee. Enjoyed your post as always.
Good word. Thank you
Sustaining energy mat be one key to success, but even more important – do they serve a good cup of coffee?! I have family in Lexington. Next time we visit I’ll have to have a Cup of Commonwealth.
I'm not a connoisseur but what I had was good. —Sent from Mailbox for iPhone
Ron,
I totally agree! In fact, I did a whole coffee shop theme for our Sunday School classes called "Grounds For Growth", and my emphasis was in the attitude coffee shops present to those who walk in the doors.
1. Acceptance – Everybody is welcome at the coffee shop, no matter how you are dressed.
2. Aroma – There is something inviting and winsome about what is going on. You are drawn in!
3. Atmosphere – The look, the decor, the surroundings and so forth present a positive image.
My contention was that our Sunday School classes could take a lot of lessons from these shops!
Thanks for the post.