Dec
10
Written by:
host
12/10/2008 7:00 AM
Jesus preached and taught in the temple and the synagogues. Yet Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing was not confined to “official” places of worship. As Jesus traveled, he ministered on the lakeshore, on the hillside, on a boat and in homes.
Church buildings are a great resource, providing a gathering space for worship, Sunday School, youth groups, Bible study – the list could go on and on. As you utilize your church building, just remember not to let the building limit ministry opportunities.
The current popularity of coffee shops, which cater to a wider audience than just coffee drinkers, makes them a good site for ministry. The possibilities for coffee shop ministries are probably endless, but here are two ideas to get you thinking:
- Consider offering a study group for high school youth or young adults that meets at a local coffee shop.
- Do you have adult study groups that meet during the school year but take the summer off due to participant’s vacation schedules? Plan to meet at a coffee shop during the summer, providing continued fellowship for those who are in town each week.
Planning a ministry activity that connects with people in an atmosphere where they are comfortable. Taking our ministry outside of the church walls into a place where it is visible and may attract attention. I’m thinking that Jesus would approve.
~Sally Hoelscher