December 25, 2024
Merrily Making Memories
Mike Kennedy, a bi-vocational minister at Minnehaha Church of Christ in Vancouver, Washington, shares a Christmas memory and the value of holding on to those memories.
Articles for tag: Starbucks
June 23, 2017
Slowly Savored
By Rick Chromey From mainstream Starbucks and neighborhood bistros, the local coffee cup has evolved into a symbol of connection, companionship, and community. The coffee experience is about family and friends, because great coffee naturally takes time. The beans must be roasted and ground. The coffee is percolated, heated, and even specially flavored. And, of course, every cup is sipped and savored to the last drop. Consequently, coffee is the perfect nonalcoholic drink of choice. It”s the ideal beverage for gathering because great community also happens with time. Friendships are grounded and grown. Relationships emerge through connection and communion. In
March 9, 2016
Soul Work Is Slow Work
By Jim Tune Paul Sparks, a cofounder of the Parish Collective, likes to refer to the reverse Prayer of Jabez. I find his twist on things refreshing: God, Shrink our territory, And narrow our boundaries That we might truly be a blessing to all. Yeah. Like that would be a best seller or catalyze a 40-day program for the typical Evangelical church. Most preachers and church planters struggle with impatience. We have goals to achieve, targets to hit. Wherever we are, it seems, we are itching to leave. Here and now is never enough. We want to get to some
October 29, 2008
Giving a Shrug About Politics
By Mark A. Taylor Someone close to me said late in September, “I know who I”m voting for in this presidential election, but I”m not sure why.” She was expressing the feeling of many Christians about this year”s election. They”re not too excited about it. And they”re not the only ones. Peggy Noonan asserted in The Wall Street Journal that, even among dedicated Democrats or Republicans, many wonder if their candidate is truly ready for the job. “I haven”t heard a single person say, “˜Yes, my guy is the answer,”” she wrote September 27. “A lot of shrugging is going
July 23, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 3)
Overchoice can confuse seekers and members when church calendars offer too many ministry options. Kent Fillinger shares a practical strategy to clarify priorities, define goals, and communicate growth pathways clearly.
July 16, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 2)
Starbucks has mastered community, consistency, and customization. Kent Fillinger explores what churches can learn about welcoming people, shaping first impressions, and offering accessible pathways for spiritual growth.
November 23, 2005
God Talk at Starbucks
Rick Warren’s words will appear on Starbucks coffee cups next year as part of “The Way I See It.” Is it compromise or influence? The article argues it may help brew discussion about God in public spaces.
