It seems like everybody likes to rag on mega-churches, but I don’t always get it. Often they’re just making smart decisions. Take Eagle Brook, the largest church in Minnesota with a weekly attendance of 8,000. Their new building will feature cup holders, an amenity that will throw some into apocalyptic panic, but the rationale seems solid to me:
But church leaders figured it was difficult to stand, sit or praise the Lord with your hands in the air while worrying about dumping a hot latte onto fellow Christians. So they decided to add cup holders — anything to boost their reputation for putting people at ease.
It’s all the reporter’s lingo (assuming the person next to you is a Christian), but the rationale reminds me of last week’s poll: It’s only important in that it isn’t a distraction (which 71% agreed with). A cup holder means you’re not distracted by worrying about an overturned drink. And why even have a drink in church? A drink parches my thirst (or feeds my caffeine craving) and lets me focus on something more important. Is that really the tragedy some claim it is? I don’t think so.
Michael Box
February 7, 2006
Here in the Cincinnati area, there is a huge church called Crossroads. It has cup holders in its new auditorium. When I visited a few weeks ago, I was pleased to see that not only do they serve a great cup of coffee at Crossroads, but they also have a “convevience store style” soda fountain. All of these are offered for free and it made for a great time during the service. It was not distracting or disruptive, but added to the laid back feel.
Gman
February 7, 2006
Those sure are Big cup holders for communion. Think of all the wine you could drink ….
corey
February 7, 2006
I know of a church that just uses cup holders in the first few rows. Most people want the cupholder convenience but the church wants them front and center to foster a more participatory worship experience.
thesecretllama
February 7, 2006
I have no problem with cup holders or drinks in the sanctuary. Mmmm. convenience store style soda fountain! (sounds of lips smacking). Our church has cup holders in the pews, but they are for the shot glass communion cups we use to celebrate Eucharist!
Betsy
February 7, 2006
It’s really ridiculous what people will use to put down the church.
Cupholders in church are a great idea. Being on staff, I’d rather pick empties out of cupholders than pick up spilled, half-full cups from under the seats.
Rick
February 7, 2006
I’m all for it. One of our church “old-timers” would like to do away with coffee all together in the sanctuary, but he’s in the minority.
Michael
February 8, 2006
I am so sending this to our pastor…we don’t allow drinks in the sanctuary. And yet, I find myself thirsty when he takes a drink during the sermon…hope he doesn’t get caught with that drink. :)
charlie
March 24, 2006
Anything that makes people feel less like they’re in parochial school and more like a family meeting, I’m all for it.
Plus, nothing gets an usher’s feathers ruffled more than a spill on the carpet. I’ve seen it, it gets ugly.
Carl McLendon
May 9, 2006
any other ideas for how church’s use facilities for connecting with the community?
pastorericp
August 26, 2006
This is so shameful. I have no problem with my people having bottled water in service. If people can’t spend an hour and a half without a cup of coffee there is something dreadfully wrong. We are so focused on making church “comfortable”. I thought church was about the Lord. I am there to worship Him. The coffee can wait!
Caitlin Van Wie
October 21, 2010
If I’m being rude I’m sorry, but I think having cupholders or coffee in church is disrespectful. You’re coming to church to worship God and Jesus Christ and listen to their teachings. Enjoying a Starbucks coffee and sitting comfortably in your seats while listening to the priest give his/her sermon doesn’t show respect or real interest. That time is meant for your heart, mind, body, and soul to learn and worship God. Why would you want a coffee with you at that time? Also, to me churchs’ with cupholders and fold down seats don’t make me think of a church. A community movie theater is what I think of. Or some sort of place for a community to meet and get together. Religious service and practice doesn’t seem like something you could do there.
UsherGuy
October 27, 2010
What’s next, ushers escorting pizza delivery guys down the isles to locate the party that ordered the “large half-pepperoni/half-sausage thin crust”? (Not beyond the realm of possibility given the apparent freedom to text and surf the web via iPhone during service that is now commonplace). God’s temple has – at many locations – become just another extension of a secular world – where “seekers” are provided no meaningful reference point for the concept of reverence for our Creator – or His house.
Matt Hafer
October 27, 2010
Shameful? Disrespectful? Really?
If we keep treating this “sacred hour” as so, then it is no wonder the American church has such trouble living a life of worship. God is in that room during that song and talk, I have no doubt, but he is also there when you are working your 9-5, when you are watching the ball game with your buddies, and when you are in the car. Do you think it’s disrespectful to have a cupholder then? Sheesh.
I know that this is our hour to corporately worship, but if it helps curtail to the masses of unchurched people and helps them meet the savior they desperately need, why on earth should I have an issue with it?