A couple days a week  you will find me sitting in Starbucks a book open with a rich dark roast, light cream sitting in front of me. Many times my computer may be open so I can write, blog or catch up on whats going on around the world. Some times I will simply have a book in my hands working away sermon or enjoying the bliss of reading a great book. For those of you who know me well, you know that I do very little in my life without thinking through it. I have a reason for just about everything I do.  With that said I spend time at Starbucks for a few reasons beyond the great drinks.

Here’s why:

Missional Living – As a paid pastor I don’t see many people who are not Christians or coming to church, unless I am intentional in what I do. The people I interact with in the ‘church’ setting all know what they are going to get, a pastor. But, the people at Starbucks don’t have a clue about who Jesus is, and they are not ‘looking’ for Him.

Intentional Relationships – Now I’m not attempting to romanticize me drinking coffee at Starbucks but I truly feel that Jesus if He was on earth today would not spend all His time in an office alone, He would be out and among the people. I also believe that if he drank coffee it would be a deep, rich dark roast, one that DD can not provide.

Input – I have different opportunities to speak into the lives of many people just by being here. I have had the chance to pray for people, pray over people, encourage people and buy people coffee. These are all chance for me to bless those around me, not because they are a project I am working on, but because I deeply care for them

Contextualization – Sitting, sipping coffee I have many chances to hear what people are talking about, what people are going through, their struggles, joys, hardships, or concerns. I also get to hear their view of the world, Christians and God. I get to better understand idols that are specific to my city, my people.

For some you may be fine locking yourself in your office, but for me I know God wants me to do more. I know He wants me to be around the people He loves and died for. As we come upon a new year maybe a good first step would be to force yourself to be in a place where people are for 4 hours a week, pray and allow the Spirit to lead you. Pray that He would open doors for you to bless someone.

Why do you do what you do? Are you living with intentionality, or just going with the flow?

*this post was originally posted over at the AtmospherChurch.com blog