Coffee and Church

In NYC there is a Starbucks on every street corner - or so it seems. Most days I have breakfast in one - their Perfect Oatmeal with all the toppings and a fruit juice is not a bad start to the day - followed by at least one or two more visits! (my only excuse is that there is no kettle in the room)

eaving aside the debate about Starbucks killing off the competition, usually local and independent, I want to ask, why are these places so popular and what can the church learn? Several points

They are non judgemental. The relaxed slightly bohemian atmosphere is very welcoming particularly to younger people, though interestingly older people seem to feel at home here too. Yesterday, for example, I was joined at my table by a matriarchal looking lady resplendent in expensive gold jewellery and wearing an ankle length fur coat!

You are treated seriously which is a more positive way of saying that you can tailor your purchase to suit your personal wishes - double shot grande with skimmed milk to go!

You are given space - usually - even if you can't get those few comfy chairs. No one hurries you ought of the store so you can read, work, think whatever, though why they don't have free wi fi I don't know.

You can come on your own and feel OK. A bit like 8 o clock communion no one is going to trouble you and everything just happens.

So what can the churches learn?

Starbucks has grasped the culture we are living in - some would say that it has shaped it. Church needs to learn how to tune in.

We need to give people space. Anglican churches are better at this than most.  People need to be able to breath.

We need to learn how to value and respect all those we come into contact with. If they want to be we should let them be. Much of what we do at St Cuthberts already operates along these lines.

We need to articulate our non judgemental philosophy more and apply it consistently as well as explaining it to 'concerned' insiders. People know what they are getting when they come to Starbucks.

There are an increasing number of single people in our society. We need to think carefully about how well we accomodate them?