Fearless Faith

It will never be said of me that I am a coffee snob. Is it black, hot, and at least lightly roasted? Good enough. I take some modest degree of pleasure, having waited in line as others’ coffee vocabulary is tested, in simply ordering the core components mentioned above. One would think that at least one or two thank you’s for my promptness would be forthcoming from those remaining in line, but the mental pressure can be acute in laying out coffee particulars. It’s usually best to let them work it out on their own.

Do we tend to be coffee snobs when it comes to church? All of us can be demanding at times, but that alone should not disqualify us from a hearty brew. It’s when we order the same thing day in and day out that we risk missing out on new flavors and new experiences. If part of “church” is growing your spirituality, then a shot or two of exotic ingredients might be just the recipe enhancer to provoke some engaging, possibly remarkable, discussions. You don’t have to adopt powerful new flavorings, but discussing them will help clarify your own foundation and better understand others’ views.

As with anything intended to sustain, it helps to begin with pure ingredients that are time tested and that result in predictable outcomes. On the other hand, without testing and a degree of curiosity, blandness and mediocrity will prevail. That is not the ministry of Jesus I was taught. Ingredients themselves do not have to be bold, it is how they are used that makes the difference. Without some willingness to be wrong on occasion, the result is day old thrice warmed microwave coffee. Is that all we want from our religion? If it is, then I want out.

Why not a draught of living water to begin with, the kind where brackishness is seldom a concern? It can even originate in the historical backwaters of churches if they are aware of its origin and place in the big picture. How coarse do we prefer the grind? Similar to church building thermostats, we seldom all agree on coarse versus fine settings. However, we can appreciate it when someone else shares their preferences and graciously brews a cup just for us. Suddenly, hospitality becomes the most important setting in the room.

As a disavowed coffee snob, I often wonder how much difference is real and what is for attention’s sake. Before I take it on the chin, however, I will uphold all whose preferences include variations on presses, percolators, drip makers, steamers, single cuppers and yes, boiled cowboy coffee (don’t ask). I will forever hear the hand crank wall-mounted coffee grinder in the kitchen each morning as family was roused for a new day, assurance that all was right in the world.

And, finally, what of presentation? Do we take the time to offer something delightful and creative? Do we know who our constituency is? Do we risk bolstering one’s faith but unthinkingly inoculate them from religion instead? There are so many quality ingredients and aromas to explore. Why should we determine what is always right for the other person when there is a stir stick in our own eye?