So I thought maybe we could all post up a written, more thought-through version of the vision we talked about during the business meeting. Just to have it all down to remember (and partly because I'm kind of bored). And THEN, maybe we could combine them all together and try to make something like a concise mission statement? What do you think?
So here's what I've got.
On the most basic level, I envision a place of community that can be a positive environment for members of the greater Davis community to come and spend time. On the next most basic level, it's a business, deeply rooted in Christianity and in integrity. Fair business practices, upfront about everything, fair trade, the works.
On a deeper level, it's a church. It's a church committed to ministry to both customers and staff. In the way that Sonshine is partly about short-term ministry to campers, but also deeply committed to long-term ministry to staff, I want to be all about ministry to staff. And in another form of long-term ministry, I want to put down roots in whatever community we're a part of - both the town and the church. I want to support the church and partner in their ministry, as well as allow them to support us.
It's a business that's rooted and grounded in the Word and in genuine pursuit of the person of Christ and in bringing His kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.
No big deal, right? :]
I feel like that's about it for me. Hope you both are doing well. Talk to you soon.
I love this idea. I'll be working on mine in the coming hours/days (I love having time during Christmas break!). And Pearl, could you also jot down references to "the fig tree", and what the fig tree represents in scripture.
ReplyDeleteThanks doug.
Yeah. I love this too. No big deal. It's just your heart, vision and passion rooted in bringing the living God closer to our hearts, lives, friends, and co-workers written so eloquently and beautifully.
ReplyDeleteTalk about better life, better leader, better coffee shop, better world, eh?
I don't know if I've told you recently, but I think you are gifted with a lot of wisdom and rationale. When you speak (or write) I listen- because when you speak, I hear a lot of truth. Not only do I think you see very clearly what the main vision/direction of the coffee shop ministry should be, but I agree whole-heartedly.
Thank you again for all the hours and days you have devoted to Him. Thank you for making Him a big rock in your life so that He may teach you and speak to you- if most of the time that's in small ways and not always directly.
"People from more pietistic traditions may find this offensive. Some feel like it is contrived or unspiritual to prepare- the Sprit should provide us the resources we need. Somehow, there is this idea that the only way the Spirit can operate is when we bring nothing to the table. But that is an really small theology of the Holy Spirit. He does stuff in the moment, while you are up there, you may hear from him. But he also inhabits you studies, your prayers, your writing... The Holy Spirit is a counselor, not a short cut. He does the work with you, but not for you."- Stanford Gibson on preparing for preaching, but really this is relevant to interacting with the Holy Spirit in general and seeking any sort of wisdom and discernment.
I'm going to work on putting something together too and look forward to forming some sort of mission statement.
Yeah!