Can coffee be used for more then just the social aspect of friends?
Yes.
Today coffee has become another social drink. Numerous people get together and catch up over a cup of coffee. I have shared a couple of instances where this takes place.
Yet, what are others ways that social aspect of coffee can be used? I answer that with the opportunity to share the Gospel and what God is doing in life.
I was able to ask a few questions to a friend who trained me when I began at Latte Donatte regarding faith and coffee. She also attended Maranatha Baptist Bible College for 4 years having very similar views of God. This young lady had worked at Latte Donatte for several years. Her testimony still lingers with the customers that she came in contact with. Here are her answers to the questions.
1. How did you get interested in coffee?
I've been drinking coffee
pretty much since I was a kid and always enjoyed the atmosphere of coffee
shops. The more I learned about coffee and it's origins the more I appreciated
it and wanted to work with it on a daily basis.
2. Did
you start off in the business world as a Christian? If so, what are some challenges you faced?
Yes. I've been a Christian since I was a kid so I face challenges at work like any other Christians. The only challenge I've had in regards to Christianity is being scheduled to work during church services, but my boss respects my beliefs and gives me the time off whenever she can.
3. What
are ways you are able to display your faith to customers?
Christianity isn't something you put on and take off, so I "display" my Christianity at work as I would at home or at the grocery store. I openly talk about my beliefs and answer questions regarding my faith. They see that I am different because I am joyful, and their curiosity as to how anyone can be so consistently at peace gives me ample opportunity to talk about God's love.
4. Do
customers openly talk about religion or God with you?
The awesome part about coffee shops is they were started so people could gather and converse with people from different backgrounds with diverse beliefs. So yes, some customers are open to talking about religion while others stick to the weather.
5. Have you been able to share the Gospel or lead someone to the Lordwhile
in the coffee shop?
I've had opportunities to share the gospel with several coworkers. You spend a lot of time with each other and sometimes it takes a while for people to warm up before talking "religion".
I use the shop to meet new people. You never know who's going to walk through that door, what their story, and what their needs are: but I'm ready to listen!
My thoughts:
It is cool to see how people view religion at a work place. Some are very closed off while some are open to discussion. Several times people ask questions or bring up the ability to talk about God. It is intimidating at times, yes. Yet, very cool to see how bringing a Bible and reading it can open to a hour discussion with someone.
Coffee shops are used in many ways. As I would like to open my own I cannot forget my Savior who has given the passion and ability to learn so I can open my own one day.
