What Is Coffee Shop Ministry?
At its core, coffee shop ministry is about sharing the love of God through the ministry of presence that Jesus modeled. It works toward the mission of the global Church, through inidividuals in every day life, as given in Matthew 28:19-20 (the Great Commission) and Acts 1:8 (being sent into the world).
When Jesus walked the earth, he sought people out where they were, regularly going to the places where people gathered - wells, marketplaces, peoples' houses, etc. Not only did he meet people where they were physically located, he also met them at their need, often times asking people, "what do you want me to do for you?"
The ministry of presence is about being available to the people around us, seeing and hearing what's going on in their lives before (and sometimes without) offering a word. A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, sharing in excitement - whatever others need. Jesus modeled this often in his interactions with those people he sought out.
For some irony - don't seek out ministry. Instead, seek out relationships. That's really what coffee shop ministry and the ministry of presence is. Living life with other people, meeting them where they are, meeting them at their need, and simply loving them.
Practical Steps
Now that we have an idea of what coffee shop ministry is, let's look at some practical steps of how to do it.
Be a regular
The first step is to be a regular at a coffee shop that has regulars. Regulars are the people you'll end up building relationships with, even if it is only at the coffee shop. Find a time that works for you, and go to the coffee shop regularly at that time. It doesn't take long to figure out if the coffee shop you're interested in has regulars or if it's more of a rotating door where people come and go, but never stay and talk.
Get to know the baristas and other staff
When you are a regular (or as you're becoming one), spend time talking to the baristas and other staff. It's great to know the people you'll be interacting with regularly on every visit. These are also the people who know the other regulars.
Introduce yourself
If you're a regular, you should know who the other regulars are. Once you do, (and this may be the most uncomfortable part for some people), walk up to one of them and introduce yourself. Most people are receptive to meeting new people, but may be a bit apprehensive about taking the first step. If you take the first step, it takes apprehension of starting the conversation off the person you're talking to.
If you're not sure what to say, try something like, "Hi, I see you here all the time and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is..." After you've gotten a handshake and a name, ask what they do. Or if you've heard them talking with others about a project, mention it and ask about that project. "I overheard you're writing a book," or "I heard you mention you're working on a website," and ask some general questions about it.
The initial conversation doesn't have to be long. Let it be natural. If you find something to talk about right away, let the conversation follow its natural course.
If you find a growing silence or awkwardness after the initial introduction, it's okay to end it with something like "I'll let you get back to what you were doing. Just wanted to introduce myself you since I see you here regularly. It was great meeting you!"
Whenever you see the person after that, say hello - a simple greeting goes a long way. If you've thought of something since (or from) a previous conversation, talk to them (if they're available). Start building the relationship.
Other ideas
Where you sit in the coffee shop can make a difference. Each coffee shop has a different layout, style, and atmosphere. For example, if a coffee shop has two floors, the lower level may be more conversational and the upper level may be more business oriented (meetings, people who work remotely, etc.). Get to know those things about the coffee shop and the people there.
Sitting near the counter or main entrance lends itself as an introductory spot. Smile at people as they come in or say hello. Using the two-story example from above, sitting near the stairs is another great place to do the same.
Remote workers generally love coffee shops. It gets them out of the solitude of home and gives them some physical human interaction, even if it's only with a barista. Depending on the person, they may be open to conversation as a break from their work. Be mindful of if the person appears to be deep in thought, on the phone, and of others around them.
Books are another great ice breaker. Having a book on the table allows others to see it and can open up conversations.
A call to ministry is a call to participate in the lives of others. It is more a commitment to give others a personal presence than simply to give them words. When I have less concern about the right words and more concern for being present in people's lives ministry becomes more meaningful.