This page is a general introduction to Christian coffeehouses.
At ChristianCoffeehouse.info, we are strong, enthusiastic believers in the coffeehouse concept! We're often asked what Christian coffeehouses are all about.
Each coffeehouse has its own personality - its own "take" on the general coffeehouse concept. But for the most part, these things are common to all coffeehouses:
- The focus in a coffeehouse is on entertainment and relaxation. Some people have trouble with the idea of entertainment as being a ministry. But the intention is that at the end of the day and/or week, you can simply go to a coffeehouse, be in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, hear live Christian music, and take it easy in a Christian environment. Most people dress casual, but feel free to dress up, wear jeans, or anything in between.
- There's no early or late with coffeehouses. Each has certain open hours, and generally, music sets are scheduled at specific times each evening. But you're always welcome to come and go as you please.
- The music is provided by local talent. There are sometimes variations in quality...but we believe the best local talent is every bit as good as anything you'll hear anywhere in the country.
- Unlike a concert, where you're expected to focus on the music, and in general to be psychologically "up" to the point of being in an audience-participation mode...at a coffeehouse, you choose your level of activity! Want to listen to/get into the music? That's OK. Want to fellowship, even during the sets? Great! Want to just sit and chill out? No problem.
- Some coffeehouses are sponsored by particular churches, but they are not church services. And all are welcome and accepted, regardless of denomination. A coffeehouse is a great place to bring the unsaved who might never go to a traditional church service for low-key, subtle witnessing, as they see that Christians are people who can indeed relax...not people who go around banging their heads against the wall all day.
- Coffeehouses are free or have only very minimal admission charges.
- Coffeehouses provide some level of food and drink service. This may be as simple as coffee, soft drinks, and popcorn, or may go all the way up to dinner specials. How much you do or do not partake is up to you! Some coffeehouses give away the food and/or drink, others charge.
- If you show up at a coffeehouse by yourself, as a "party of one," you will NOT feel out of place! But if you're a couple on a date...a singles group...whatever, you'll be right at home, too. Coffeehouses expect that children will be monitored by their parents, but all ages are welcome.
Another good introduction to Christian coffeehouses:
- "A Christian Coffeehouse Primer" has some material specific to the Saint Louis, Missouri area, but is a good general explanation of Christian coffeehouses as well.
Note: There are several versions of this discussion on various Web sites - but this is the original! It was originally written by ChristianCoffeehouse.info coordinator David Grant in the early 1990s.
Christian coffeehouse locations nationwide
Starting a Christian coffeehouse
Model coffeehouse goals
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