Christian Cafe, any ideas?

[Eve4000]

Ok, I want to start a Christian Cafe in my church, and I have my share of ideas already, and there have been suggestions from different people. But I'll need a little more...

My ideas already: It's going to be in the church gym on a Saturday evening, maybe from 5 or 6 to 9. Maybe monthly. Different SDA churches in our area will be helping us out. There's going to be 8 round tables, each seating 6, and a candle on each, since it'll be dim lighting. There's gonna be a stage [that has lighting], where people from different churches will perform music, poetry, prose, skits, sermonettes, and etc. People from different churches, different denominations, and even non-Christians can come. There will be food, but I dunno what kind, other than hot cocoa. I wanted to get a church member who caters to help, but I dunno if she'll be for it.

Other people's ideas: Charge for entry, or a cup or plate [buy the utensils; food and refills are free. Will be better to pay for expenses]. Maybe there can be some secular entertainment as well [don't look at me! it was my Pastor!!!]. It could be the end of a youth day [so it'll obviously be centered around the Youth, and it'll make it hard to be monthly or to charge.] Everyone's at a loss about food.

Any ideas? Because I am about to ask some different Adventist kids in school if they'd be interested, to "get a pulse".

 

[DrStupid_Ben]

Sounds like a great idrea!

with regards to the food, i would suggest that as it won't be on the sabbath, ie friday night, and there are some costs involved, it is quite reasonable to charge a modest price for hot drinks, milkshakes, cake, muffins. You could have a cake of the day. You could also do something where a gold coin donation at the door lets you in and then soup and cheese bread is free(or whatever easy, cheap, bulk food you want)

Sticking to easy things that you can prepare earlier and drinks is the way to go I reckon. Then anyone from your church can help out (no need for skilled labour)

Good luck with it. I have an idea sitting in the back of my mind for a Cafe Church, held once a quarter or something. Maybe I'll try it out sometime.

 

[Eve4000]

cool, thanks. I think i may get the food from Costco. . Today i am going to one of the churches around here to pitch the idea.

 

[RC_NewProtestants]

I like the idea, it is good that your pastor is for it because so many of them are stuck in ruts.

I don't know where you are living but there really are a lot of Christian bands around today. Local bands that are looking for exposure and experience. But you probably need to run the evening a lot later, say from 7 to midnight, maybe schedule 3 sets.

Food is a problem as you might want to have a dinner period and then a lighter period later with more appetizer kind of things and drink. Italian Sodas are a good idea. Actually pretty easy to make and could be a good money maker. And you will need money to pay those bands. It would be nice to set up a coffee stand type of thing also if you think you can draw community people. But some in your church may not like that idea.

There is a Christian cafe in our town I will post the link and you can look at what they offer:
http://www.veritasolympia.com/

Site is currently undergoing maintenance but check tomorrow.

 

[Strongcuppajoe]

Well this one is right up my alley (he he I'm a Chef) OK what you could do in relation to food is take a reservation (then you would have an idea of how much) You could set it up buffet style and use cheaper settings. That way people can get what they want and you cut down on time in the kitchen, unless you are doing a finger food thing, There are lots of ways to have entertainment you could get local praise bands. Our church has a deal with a very good local group (mostly Christian Rock) but they get to practice at our church and in return help out with some musical events or group bookings for Sabbath. (I do not know your churches situation). But the seating arrangement sounds great but those are some ideas for you.

 

[truthmagnet]

well haystacks are a favorite to all i know. maybe a smaller version with chips, salsa and beans. cold or hot herb teas with no caffeine. pizzadough strips or french bread strips with sauce for dipping. fresh veggies with ranch dip. i wouldn't want sugar-laden desserts. maybe different types of shortbread cookies or graham crackers. let us know if it is a success. God bless.

 

[Eve4000]

thanks for the suggestions!!!! I think that after this week it'll really get rolling.

 

[Sophia7]

I think it's a great idea. Hope it goes well.

 

[Adventist Heretic]

make shure there are plenty of smoothies, they are healthy and people like them

 

[Sophia7]

make shure there are plenty of smoothies, they are healthy and people like them

Good idea.

 

[Adventist Heretic]

um smoothie