Monday, 15 June 2009
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Do You Have a Problem with a Church Selling Starbucks Coffee?
A friend asked me this the other day, and I thought to myself: "Wow, that's a random question... BUT is it wrong or merely just another means for the church to get money they can use for the Lord?" This may seem trivial to some and stupid to others, but I think it's actually a big deal.
Is it wrong to sell Starbucks coffee at church?My friend goes to a church where they teach that in the Lord both heavenly and worldly riches can be found and are yours for the taking. All you have to do is put your trust in the Lord. Now, I wouldn't normally mention the doctrine of the church that is selling coffee, but as a whole the church often talks and focuses a lot on money. And the fact they are selling coffee just happens to concern me and him somewhat.
If your problem is with them selling Starbucks coffee and not just the selling of coffee: Well, if they're not selling Starbucks, they have to sell someone, so what does it matter the brand? For me, my problem is the selling of the coffee. I think if they are going to provide coffee at the church, it should be a free gift with a donation basket on the side for those who wish to give towards that service. If the purpose for selling coffee is because they can't afford to give it for free, then why not take that money away from the machines and put it to use in some other way? If the purpose is to make a profit, why do it at all? There is a difference in selling Starbucks coffee that was donated at a church bake-sale than selling it before/after the services. Did not Christ toss the tables of merchants who were selling goods on the steps of the temple?
Like many things, this could just be a debate that ultimately can only be solved by conviction. But personally, if it's not in your church budget to have coffee, then why do it? And if you are trying to make a profit, or break even – again, why do it at all?
I think a fair way to solve this issue would be to give the congregation a vote; whether they think it's right and whether they even want to buy it.
What do you think about this church selling Starbucks coffee?
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- From: SnowWhiteRoseRed@xanga
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Comments (76)
I think it's a bit absurd... my church gives out free coffee. It's not Starbucks, but then again, Starbucks isn't that great anyway. Not for how much they charge.
I don't see the connection between an overpriced franchise coffee, churches and charities. Doesn't make sense.
wwjd
Well, if they are actually having their services in the Starbucks...
@pansybradshaw@xanga - I don't think it would matter to Jesus if it was Starbucks or Kroger brand.
I could see this being a problem for a church and I personally think churches should just give away free coffee unless the Starbucks is a fundraiser.
@TheOriginalImperial@xanga - imma jew & i fynd the thot of starbuks bein sold in churchiz apallin by the sayme tokin i fynd it apallin in synagogues too i meen reely iz the whole purpose to get pepul "revd up" no pun intendid for wership thatz kynda gross & unspiritual to my mynd
What about churches selling food? Or books? Or christmas cards handmade by kids in youth group? Or CDs of a Christian band or music ministry struggling to get onto its feet?
Ever heard the story of Jesus overturning the money-changers tables at the Temple? Followed by him quoting the OT saying "My House should be a House of Prayer, but you have turned it into a Den of Robbers".
No, a vote is not a good thing either. IF your congregation is being led by Spirit-filled leaders, then the congregation should be led by them. IF not, then the leadership needs a change.
@pansybradshaw@xanga - make champagne mimosas (to early for wine)
@storyslut@xanga - hahahahahahahahahahaha you blasfeemus chyld you!
I believe in a Separation between Church and Macchiato.
@pansybradshaw@xanga - I was lured here by someone's rec.
No disrespect intended Revelife. Srsly, no coffee was avail. where I went as a child. There was the water fountain, that was it. It seems nicer if coffee is available, to make it free and have a donation basket if nec.
My church offers it for free before the early and morning services.Yay PCA?
no, and i think it'd be good profit for the church to make some extra income (and the charity baskets haven't been heavy lately)
I have a problem with a church selling Starbucks Coffee because Starbucks is one of the largest contributors to homosexual rights causes. I don't believe the church should be endorsing the brand.
As for coffee in general, I haven't yet attended a church that charged for its coffee. Almost every church I've regularly attended had coffee available on Sunday morning, and it was always free.
@pansybradshaw@xanga - for a klondike bar?
@godfatherofgreenbay@xanga - hahahahahahahahahahahahaha gawd my frendz ar shaymeless!
I don't see a problem with the selling of coffee, however I would have a problem if they were a little too obsessed with money.
It is good, isn't it. Chilling and church at the same time. Mmm.
@gabrielpeter@xanga - Honestly I have NEVER heard of Starbucks endorsing homosexuality until I read Revelife, and I still have yet to hear about it elsewhere. Are you sure that's true, and not just a rumor?
Money is the mother's milk of politics and religion. Money gets things done. Money greases the wheels. Money puts the roof over poor people's heads. Money feeds and clothes the destitute.
Money is good.
The next time your church gives you an opportunity to commit an act of charity, give the homos a break, too, and buy a cup of Starbucks coffee.
Didn't Jesus trash a temple market place?
Anyway, I hate starbucks because they use children to harvest their beans in huge camps, living in tents and paying them pennies. These children are taken away from their families, forced to work 12-18 hour days, not given proper food, clothing, or places to live, and paid next to nothing.
and their coffee is nasty.
I have a problem with churches selling ANYTHING on Sunday mornings - or anytime church is in session.
@sarahzthoughts@xanga - here is the link listing supporters of GLAAD (from GLAAD's website): http://www.glaad.org/grants You can see Starbucks is listed here. Given a few minutes of research, you can find other references very easily.
The church I've been attending has coffee and other hot drinks available for free. I think it's absolutely wrong for someone to be working to make and sell the coffee any time that CHURCH is going on. My reasoning? God COMMANDED that we REST on Sabbath and NOT WORK. If a church worships on Sunday that implies that they feel Sunday is Sabbath. Therefore they should not have anyone within thier gates working on that day.
Coffee as a free service might have a roll. And some people might find giving of their time and skills in making coffee as a way they love to serve and give to the community. It might be a good way to bring in some cold, homeless people during those winter months. As for where the money comes for it, it should either be part of the budget or have a special offering fund for it and only use those monies for it.
The churches I regularly attend are usually small or medium-sized churches, and they have often given coffee for free at a fellowship either before or after the service. Sometimes they have a basket to drop in a donation to help defray the costs, but most often not.
I have to say though, my initial reaction to the question was colored by more recent church visits. I am used to attending several times a week, and after a recent move I ended up at a church that only meets once a week. It's not enough for me, but most churches in the area only meet Sunday mornings. In searching for "extra" meetings on Sunday night, Wednesday night, etc. I found some very large mega-churches that have a number of services that I can attend when I need a little extra. Most of them are a good drive away though, and since traffic can be heavy, I usually leave early and so I have extra time when I arrive.
To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they usually have a bookstore to browse in, a coffee shop with refreshments, etc. I reasoned to myself that if I was going to be spending an hour or so before the service, I'd RATHER give my money to a church-run business than a secular one off-campus. I could be right there, and browse the bookstore as well.
I guess that puts me in the minority. I can see everyone's point about NOT turning church into a business. I guess I didn't think of it that way, because these churches are not MY church, and because it was a convenience to me as well as a benefit to the church.
You've given me more to think about, but in the particular situation I describe, it still seems a good thing to me.