The Gospel According to Starbucks

I just finished reading a Leonard Sweet book. I feel as though it could have been said with half of the words, but still a pretty fair read. He frames the book around the philosophy that Starbucks uses in their stores... He says that Starbucks stores are EPIC in nature.

"Live Life On an EPIC Scale"

E - Experiential

P - Participatory

I - Image-Rich

C - Connective

Sweet says that Starbucks knows what it takes to sell a good cup of coffee. They are not just selling coffee they are providing an experience. An experience that the customer can participate in. An experience that is visually stimulating that invites people to connect with others. The experience is not in a Starbucks' store per say, they are in a Starbucks' "living room".

As Sweet goes on, he says that the evangelical community should follow the same pattern. He says that life with God, is "the best part of waking up." Sweet says this is what walking with Jesus is all about... EPIC Lifestyle

Experience - A Christ follower experiences life with Christ.

Participatory - A Christ follower participates with the work of God.

Image-Rich - A Christ follower values the rich images of the Cross.

Connective - A Christ follower connects both with God and others.

Certainly we can gain wisdom and insight from these assertions. This has allowed me to see life through this lens... Ponder these concepts as you go through your day... See just how EPIC your life really is.