Germany – A new coffee shop ministry operated by Nazarenes recently opened in Germany. The non-profit cafe is aiming for a subtle influence in the community through coffee, fellowship and social awareness.
“We are a kind of ‘under-cover’ Christians,” says the café manager, Ira. Without posting signs and labels of their affiliation with the church, they live their daily lives as Christ’s disciples to the community.
Coffee shops in Europe are not the least bit uncommon. Merely strolling the streets of most towns in Germany, one is bound to encounter a café. So what is it that makes this café any different from the many you may pass by on any other day? At a glance, it would seem there is nothing to set it apart.
That is exactly what it’s aiming for. This café intends to integrate into a community where many people have preconceived notions of church, and therefore would not attend one even if invited. They will, however, seek out an ordinary coffee shop for a conversation that might wander into spiritual territory.
The staff is composed of Christians with a united goal: to be the church.
Part of the appeal to guests is the café’s atmosphere.
“It’s like a living room,” says the café manager, describing the coffee shop’s atmosphere. Its avant-garde decor combines subtle colour and varied furniture in a modern and inviting way. The café, though only open for a couple months to date, is bursting with life as people pass through on their way to work or merely because they’re drawn to the atmosphere.
The ministry leaders don’t only see the cafe as serving their immediate neighborhood; they want to serve their global neighborhood. Taking into account the effect they have on their world community, the café ensures its products, such as coffee, tea and cocoa, are all fair trade items.
Within the immediate community, they offer their venue as a place for artists to express their work, holding events such as song writer contests and readings of writing and poetry. Any of the café’s earnings are put entirely toward community projects.
The café’s founder Cris, shares story after story of the way God is exhibiting Himself to the people of the community. One young man had been searching for a group of believers in the area with whom he could fellowship. Another was touched by an art event, stirring questions that led to something deeper.
This café is just one of half a dozen Nazarene-operated coffee shops seeking to be God’s church to their communities. Countries where churches have or are planning to open cafés include Poland, Denmark, England, the Netherlands and Germany.
“We want to have Heaven on earth,” says the manager, “That’s our vision.”
