“Christianity suddenly became a much more intellectual enterprise after the Protestant Reformation, when churches split into different denominations over theological ideas. Preachers and teachers tried to attract followers with compelling insights and ideas. The focus of the faith shifted from the heart to the head, leaving the stomach behind.

Today, congregations are trying to provide more than intellectual nourishment by putting restaurants and coffee bars in their buildings. In our polarized and fractured society, people of different backgrounds are invited to come together in these houses of God to have conversation over a meal or a drink — in spite of their differences.” USA Today

There’s nothing wrong with reaching out to people in different ways. But why does the church have to be the restaurant… or the coffee house? Why do we have to lure people inside the church to have a conversation? Couldn’t we just go to, you know a real restaurant or an actual coffee house? Is it because those places seem less safe? What if someone heard me talking about Jesus in Starbucks? The horror.

I don’t know how many times I’ve head people say that they need to bring someone to church so that they can “hear the Gospel.” Then I typically reply, “Are you a Christian? Don’t you know what the Gospel is?” And at that point, the conversation ends, with that person giving me a weird look, like I’m crazy.

As Christians, we get into this four wall mentality like somehow our faith only takes place inside the church. We make the building the focal point, but the majority of ministry as Christians, should happen outside the church, not in it.

So if this is true, then why are we doing our best to make sure that never happens?

Just a bit of advice for the day. Cell phones don’t appreciate being dropped into a cup of coffee. Just thought I’d pass that bit of wisdom on to you all.

I enjoy coffee. My Blackberry didn’t. He’s currently ignoring me.

How do you take your coffee?

Seriously…

How do you take it?

I’ll be back in A-Town in a couple of weeks for the Catalyst Conference and connecting with supporters back there. I’ll be in Atlanta from October 4th till the 15th.

So anyone going to Catalyst and want to hook up for coffee?

Miriam and I have been experimenting making coffee with a French press. Here are some easy instructions on how to use one. I’ll say it makes a darn good cup of coffee.

Over the course of the summer, with the non-stopped pacing… The Ramblings lost it’s way. It lost it’s teeth.

Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m back, baby, with a vengeance. The coffee is kickin’. I’m awake. And let the rants and rambles return!

So, hello again…

When we first moved out here to the left coast, I found it odd that we have little coffee shacks everywhere. The obsession for coffee here is paramount. In the south you’ll find churches on each street corner – here it’s coffee shacks.

Over the past few months I’ve noticed a new trend. Coffee evidently isn’t enough anymore because they’ve come out with the “bikini barista” stands. Yes, the name says it all. It’s like Hooters without the wings and more caffeinated.

I’m dumbfounded that coffee isn’t enough anymore. But, no one ever said that folks up here in the Pacific Northwest were normal…