Starting a church/cafe
I am a minister who has recently launched a church. I am looking into starting a Cafe/Venue to operate in the community and using the space to do ministry out of as well. (ex. Shop closed sundays, church does service, use venue space to bring in tutoring groups for local schools and feed kids during 2 days a week) Six years ago I owned a Cafe and originally started the church in that shop. Due to a family matter I had to sell the shop and shut down the ministry. God however hasn't allowed that to be the end of the book just a transition in chapters. So I am taking ideas and piecing them together. Some good and some not as good.
There is a need for the style of ministry I am re-launching and there is nothing in our area that is not a bar but offers a music venue and the relaxing coffee/cafe atmosphere. I am just wanting to hear thoughts, feedback, fundraising ideas, and overall outside wisdom.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Don Dunay on -
It sounds good, but I'd operate the Cafe as a money making business with Chistian values. Use the Cafe to promote the church and help pay for the community out reach.
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Permalink Reply by Ovie Moore on -
I have been thinking about that. And believe that is the best way to set-up the business. Thanks.
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Permalink Reply by Don Dunay on
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The church I belong to has built a Cafe, but it is only used before services and other church functions. Mostly insider type of events. If it was open for real business, I think it would have been a good connection to the gerneral public. The outsider doesn't have a voice in the church, but yet we say we are here for the ones that are not. How do you reach them?
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Permalink Reply by Ovie Moore on
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That is a question that I have been searching for an answer on for the past 6 years. Church "as in the establishment" has almost become an island to itself. If someone can make a boat to reach it then they are welcome, but how do we as ministers fill in the "moats" to connect to the land.
Out of that question is where God birthed the ministry Im trying to launch called The Union. The reason I am taking the road of opening a Cafe is to create community interaction. To open a dialogue with "outsiders" and create a neutral atmosphere that feel open and welcome rather than guarded. I was a bartender the past 4 years and learned a lot about what makes people feel disconnected from the church, but not necessarily from God, and what their hang-up is from stepping into the church. So my goal is to eventually spread out and open these faith based Cafe's that are used as ministry outlets. To be a lighthouse in a community that I believe, from personal experience, will attract the hurting, hungry and seekers. As you connect with these people and they begin to feel secure in their foundation and have the encouragement to go out into their circle of influence they are able to bring others into this safe haven to speak life and do it in a safe and secure location. I believe it makes people feel less like they have to sell their faith but gives a venue to just invite and interact in a place of positive influence.
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Permalink Reply by David Justice on -
There is a place I've visited in Birmingham, AL that seems similar to what you are describing. You may want to visit their site and speak with the owner and staff.
http://kairoskatering.com/index.html
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