Redding, California | Engaging the Unchurched Through Coffee

Stuart and Sara work in the 5th most unchurched city in the US, where only 26% of people say they are religious, using their coffeehouse as a vehicle for relationship and a space to do activating prayer. They’re consistently engaging culture in that space—learning names, practicing excellent hospitality, and hearing stories from the people they’re connecting with. From there, they’re able to invite people into Discovery Bible Studies and to join their small church community.

One of the people they engaged in this way was Jeff. Jeff was an atheist who went through an especially difficult time after losing a parent and getting divorced. He would say, “I don’t like Christians, but I like you guys.” When things started going really poorly, Jeff reached out and asked to attend the house church gathering. He was still adamant about being an atheist. But after a couple of weeks he introduced himself as agnostic. “I’m not really sure, but I think I might be hearing the voice of the Lord.” A couple of weeks later he shared that he’d been experimenting with prayer and believed he was hearing from God, and was preparing to take some big life steps as a result. Will he take a step of faith and commit his life to Jesus? That’s what we’re praying for, for him and all the others this ministry is reaching.