Has Starbucks Beat the Church?
Thanks to Jerry Frear at Becoming Missional for the following outstanding post:
Here’s a quote from a Starbuck’s District Manager:
“We have identified a ‘third place.’ And I really believe that sets us apart. The third place is that place that’s not work or home. It’s the place our customers come for refuge.” —Nancy Orsolini, District Manager
I find it interesting that Starbuck’s seams to understand the nature of community and refuge.
Where people used to run to the church for that “third place”, they now run to Starbuck’s
.Maybe it’s time for a field trip, to discover what Starbuck’s knows that we don’t. Because I firmly believe that the Missional church must become and be a “third place” of safety, refuge and community. It’s in finding that identity that the Missional church will impact that changing world around it.
Thanks for the plug!
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct.
ReplyDeleteMy third place for friendship/uplifting/caring is often someplace other than church. How sad!
What is church all about? Is it really a sanctuary from the world? A place where we come to escape from the world? Or
ReplyDeleteIs it a place where we learn how to engage the world on God’s terms? A place where we learn to live in this alien world in a way that honors Him? Or
Is it both? A place where we come to be close to Him, to be protected for a little while so that we can catch our breath, to reach out to Him and each other.
What is our job, what is the job of the church? Starbucks certainly knows what their role is and they are doing a good job of it. What about us?
LORD, please help us to know the role you want us to play as a church and as your people. Guide each of us that we may serve you fulfilling your plan for us and your church. Amen
Something to think about; Steve
Jerry, you're welcome.
ReplyDeleteLinda, yeah, that really is sad.
Steve, you raise a very good point. Church is not a "holy huddle". We love each other in "community" so we can go out and bless the world.