QUESTION
I can’t believe how much my church spent on a coffeemaker. It makes ten flavors of coffee I never heard of. And the hospitality team glared at me because I refused to put $2 in the kitty. Should we be spending our offerings on ourselves?
ANSWER
Obviously, the church is using “coffee” as a drawing card and/or welcoming tool for both guests and members. If you don’t want to contribute $2 for a cup, stop at McDonalds on the way to church and pay a dollar. However, I would encourage you to stand in the background next Sunday morning and see if it’s working. Are people using the coffee area as a fellowship point? Do members invite guests to stop and get a cup before class or worship? Is it a location where conversations and witnessing opportunities are taking place? Does it tell the community, “Our church welcomes you. Have a cup of joe, in Jesus’ Name”?
It may not be your thing, but to the Starbucks society, a well-supplied coffee stand with a friendly barista might just make the 21st-century church look a little more relevant.
QUESTION
As you share your faith with people, do you use a memorized plan like Evangelism Explosion or the “3 Circles”? Or do you just let the Holy Spirit lead the discussion?
ANSWER
Through the years, I’ve been trained in several different faith-sharing processes. When I have opportunity to witness, I sometimes use parts of presentations, memorized Scriptures, or illustrations I’ve learned. Sitting in Starbucks with a person I’ve built a relationship with might allow me to use Jimmy Scroggins’ “3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide” on a napkin, but that same technique might not work for me in a first-time chance encounter at a gas station. Nor would I use the same approach every time during an extended conversation on an airline flight. Be prepared to share what you’ve learned through the years.Have a few Scriptures committed to memory (for example, John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9). And let the Holy Spirit guide you as you fulfill the Great Commission.
Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism. Send questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.