Starbucks. One coffee company that has changed our culture forever. I really love the atmosphere of Starbucks. It is a cool, place that has comfortable seating, lust loud enough background music, and tasty coffee (not saying that it is the best, but it does the job). I used to dream about planting a church that has a Starbucks like experience. I used to take notes from every Starbucks experience that I had. I would write down the color scheme on their walls, their lighting, their music, their displays, seating, etc. However, things have changed dramatically.
Don't get me wrong, I still like the environment at Starbucks. BUT...the biggest thing that has dramatically decreased (if at all even remotely present any longer) is the personal attention that I used to get. Not that the Barista's are impersonal, or unfriendly, but I have not walked into Starbucks in the last 2 years with any of them asking for my name and thanking me by name. That's right, it used to be that Starbucks would ask for my name and then once my order was ready, greet me by name and thank me by name, this doesn't happen anymore.
It is this impersonal experience that I refuse to let happen at Generation Church! I want every guest/owner/family member that walks through the doors to be personally greeted and feel as though they are worth something. For me, using my name shows that you care about me; the church must let people know that we care for them! It must be personal (this is not saying that the vision that God has laid on the Pastor's heart is compromised by the personality of everyone in the church, it just means that people must be the most important aspect of the church!)
Leaders in the Church, Starbucks, and anyone else of influence...make your experience personal it will bring worth to those you serve and open the doors for community!
