What?! 

No.  Sorry, no.  There's feeding the spirit, but that's taking it a bit far.

Let the bad puns begin!!!

They could call it "Garden of Eatin'."

As long as they don't serve forbidden fruit....

Maybe some of that bread of life.

He-brews coffee.

Adam had a prime rib.

Fruit of the Spirit?

Everybody!

if its purpose is what Umnenga thinks.. that will be really great and I vote for it. not only for the mega.. even for just small growing churches .. right after the service.. it will help people spend time together and have a fellowship together.. chatting, sharing.. praying together.. and having fun and fell0wship.. 

We have potlucks at my church all the time.  

A restaurant and potluck are different things...one is commercial and business-focused, the other is about community and fellowship...over (usually) free food. For the employees of the restaurant (and bookstore, for that matter), church will cease to become a place of reverence to worship. It'll be just another workplace. I just don't think it's possible to stay God-centered with such an enterprise. But then again, megachurches aren't known for their spiritual closeness...

@deepestrecesses -  I agree.  I hate it when churches do this.  The only exception I've seen is one church where 100% of the proceeds go to missions, the church foots any bills, and it is staffed entirely with volunteers.  But still, it would be better if it were out in the community where it could be a light at the same time.

I'm wondering why they aren't being taxed. A restaurant isn't spiritual; it's a food service. Neither are the bookstore or the cafe.

Interesting.

A friend of mine attends a megachurch where they have a coffee-bar. There they have a staff of 5 or so who are there most Sundays for all like 8 of their services. Then volunteers help out too....but several people miss church all weekend to staff the coffee bar. I think that's kind of crazy, but whatever keeps the people coming, right?

I'm not sure where the proceeds go. I should ask.

I can speak to this subject as I was saved at CCFTL in 1990 when there were only 125 in attendance.  Today there are 18,500 - yes a MEGA church, the 8th largest in the country.  The intent was always to share God's word and connect with people, never to grow to this size.  In fact, for the first 7 years of its existence, CCFTL was 40 people strong!

The one and only reason for what is now a restaurant (started with coffee, then a café) is to connect with people.  With that many folks in and out of the church on a Sunday, it's a great way to connect with those you haven't seen in the body in a while or invite someone who may not be 'keen' on the whole church deal, but is willing to meet for coffee or lunch.  Then - "oh by the way, this is my chuch, want to check it out?".

I guess I've been reading Revlife posts with interest for the past couple of years, just watching the interaction of those who post - but this one really got under my skin.  Because I have a strong love for CCFTL (having been the place I was radically saved from the pit) it opened my eyes to the strong critical spirits many of those who post here.  Sure, it's easy to have an OPINION when you have no idea what you're talking about. I'm afraid that RL gives 'Christians' a place to let their critical spirits run rampant - and unbelievers to take pot shots - or just watch us duke it out amongs ourselves.  I don't post often, but this was one topic which I could address, having had personal knowledge of the subject matter.

CCFTL is not the only church offering it attendees a place to break bread together - why do you feel the need to make such a big deal about it?  And if someone reads about it in a travel guide and decideds to stop by and find that a church has its doors open M-F, not just Sunday morning - can that really be a bad thing?  They are being a good steward of the facilities they have been given, making sure that the doors are open, bible study is happening not just on Sunday mornings, and everyone has the opportunity to access inexpensive, good food.  As for the taxing issues - really - don't you have something else to worry about?  Uncle Sam is really, REALLY good at his job.

Personal responses to:

But then again, megachurches aren't known for their spiritual closeness... la_lune_du_chasseur@xanga   REALLY?  Where are you getting your information?  Maybe you should check it out, before you pass judgement.  This is EXACTLY how this MegaChurch is making one-on-one time available to its members to spend time together, many in bible study, while breaking bread.

"Den of Robbers" comes to mind...  deepestrecesses  How about washing that mind with some WORD?  This has nothing to do with selling sacrificial doves to turn a buck!  It's about creating a place where believers and non-believers can come together in a non-threatening environment over a meal.

@deepestrecesses -  agree.   I don't think restaurants belong in the House of God.  Besides, a church hiring people to work on Sundays?  What about worship?  what about rest?   nicolevw@xanga  What about the freedom in Christ to practice the Sabbath any day of the week?  What about the fact that CCFTL has services on Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday?  What about the "house of God" being a place where people convene on a daily basis, not just on Sunday when they're 'playing church'?

I know I may sound defensive - but I actually KNOW what I'm talking about.  If you live in South Florida, I suggest you stop by one day and "try the Rosemary Chicken Salad on multi-grain bread and sub the fries with fresh asparagus."  Then stop by the bookstore, pick up a bible or bible study and get to know someone who can lead you into a growing relationship with a living God!

@DebyS@xanga - I've always had a very high regard for Calvary Chapels. Back in 1975-1976, our high school Bible class in Colombia used Chuck Smith's book on Matthew. For a year or so recently, there was a Calvary Chapel radio station here in the Dallas area. The teaching was usually very good. (Someone else has that station now.) I'm glad to hear that the congregation in Ft. Lauderdale is doing so well.

@deepestrecesses - Are you, have you ever been a member of CCFTL?  Do you know about the street feeding ministry of which I was a member?  Do you know about the free evangelistic concerts on the beach that have been hosted? Do you have inside numbers on the 'so called profit' you assume they make on this venture?  If not, I suggest that you not pass judgement.  I have been associated with this church long enough to know that every decision, every venture is frought with prayer before it is implemented.  It is not a money making machine as you suggest, but a church that ministers to tens of thousands of people without regard to race, color, creed, or even religion.  CCFTL is an very special place, that many would try to replicate and few, if any, would succeed.

Do you know that this is a church that has NEVER, EVER passed an offering plate?  All the work that is done, is done on faith and free will tithes and offerings.  If you have questions about the finances of this incredible church, please contact Pastor Mark Davis, who has been on staff almost 20 years (the first few were as a volunteer - non-paid position). 

While you didn't address certain aspects in your post, you had no problem passing judgement and hurling scripture.  That is what bothered me the most.