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Living in the country, it can be hard to connect with people. Learn how you can create conversation and connection without going to the city.

Coffee Dates In Rural Ministry

Living in small-town and rural America has several positive aspects and a few surprising challenges. Let’s face it, when you plan a coffee date with friends, living in larger towns comes with the benefit of a variety of options. Many larger towns have independent mom-and-pop shops, local startups, plus national and international franchises. Can someone say Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Tim Horton’s? However, in small-town and rural communities, there are fewer choices. Sometimes, there are no choices at all.

As the church body, we know and understand the importance of building relationships with the people in our church and community. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” What happens when you want to grab a cup of coffee to chat about life and encourage a friend when there are no coffee shops for several miles? One of the beautiful things about country and small-town living is making do with what you have. Here are four simple ideas to bring coffee and conversation to your local community without driving to the big town.

4 Coffee And Conversation Ideas

1. Meet at a local gas station for a cup of coffee.

Many small towns have a gas station that offers coffee … they may not offer a place to sit, but they may have coffee. If so, meet at the gas station, grab a cup of coffee, then sit in the car and visit together, or find a safe place to get out and visit. Some small towns have parks. These are often safe and easy places to meet.

2. Brew your own coffee and pick a local place to meet.

If you live in the country, pick a pretty spot to meet your friend. It will take some planning, but you can do this easily without lots of expense.

  1. Choose a location. (Get permission, if needed from the landowner.)
  2. Brew your favorite coffee blend. Pour the coffee into a thermos.
  3. Pack a basket with coffee cups, spoons, and all of the coffee fixins’.
  4. Be sure to invite your friend with specific instructions on where to meet, what to bring, and how long you plan to chat.

3. Set up your own coffee experience in your home, on your porch, or on your driveway.

While it can sometimes be intimidating to invite someone to your home for a meal, inviting someone to your home for coffee can be less stressful and time-consuming. There’s something powerful about the vulnerability of opening your home to others … even when kids are running around the living room and toys are scattered.

  1. Decide on a date and time.
  2. Invite your friend … provide directions and let your friend know what to bring.
  3. Create a coffee shop atmosphere in your home. Think of your favorite place to drink coffee and recreate one aspect you love. It can be as simple as lighting a candle, playing praise and worship music, and adding a few wildflowers to a vase.
  4. Brew the coffee and set the table.
  5. Enjoy your time together. 

4. Why Not Meet At Church For Coffee?

Always get permission first, but the church is a safe and easy place to meet. If your church has a fellowship hall, you can still create a simple space by setting up one table to create the atmosphere. Bring your own coffee or brew it at church. If going inside the church isn’t an option, sit outside or on the steps. If you are building a relationship with someone you do not know well, the church can be a safe place to meet during the day. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about building relationships and community. It never has to be expensive, time-consuming, or impressive. The beauty isn’t found in the flavor of the coffee or the richness of the brew. It’s about savoring the conversation as you encourage and build each other up.

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