‘Coffee house’ service aimed at younger group

Published 5:01 pm Tuesday, October 2, 2007

By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



While friends sip cappuccinos and lattes under the soft glow of candles, the rich notes of an acoustic guitar linger through the air and mingle with conversations.

Although this may seem like a local coffee shop, it’s actually a new church service at Gardendale Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church geared towards the 20-somethings of North Jefferson County.

“We try to capture a coffee house sense,” Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church senior pastor Dr. Rudy Guess said of the new ministry, Pursuit. “We’re excited about this ministry. I’ve even had to learn the language of coffee — all the lattes and cappuccinos.”

Right before Guess emerged into this coffee craze ministry, he was touring England, researching the Methodist’s Wesleyan heritage. “It donned on me there that we [the church] need to do something different to reach the younger generation.”

Shortly after his return to the states, he listened to the Lord’s prodding and shared his vision with several others. During the summer, Guess formed a committee, gathered several college students and designed Pursuit, a low-key, coffeehouse worship service.

Following their plan, the committee decorated the fellowship hall with small round table sitting areas, candles, throw rugs and a coffee bar, transforming it into a coffee house. Now, every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., 20-somethings can mingle with coffee and homemade goodies, relax to acoustic guitar, worship with a praise band and listen to a short message.

In creating the ministry, executive secretary of the church and Pursuit board member Jennifer Lindholm said it was important to target those who aren’t involved in church as well as regular members. “Sometimes Sunday church can be intimidating. We feel like people will come to a coffee type worship service,” Lindholm said.

To create a welcoming and learning environment, Guess decided to derive his messages from the same theme as his Sunday’s sermons and turn them into a conversational teaching. Referring to the first Pursuit last week, Guess said several of the 82 people in attendance felt comfortable enough to ask questions and dialogue with Guess and their fellow peers. “That just confirmed it’s a God thing,” Guess said.

Eric Harrison, one of Pursuit’s worship leaders, agreed that the ministry’s environment is unique, offering a chance for Christians and non-Christians alike to gather and learn.

“So many churches are come in and sit down. This is more user friendly — to come hang out, meet people, get coffee and worship,” Harrison said. “We’re open to everybody. Anybody is welcome to come.”