Seizing Your Divine Moments

Ok, so many of you know that I work from the Red Mill Buffalo Wild Wings at least one or two days a week. They have free wifi, a friendly staff, and they serve Coca-Cola. Economically it has always made more sense to work from there or Panera than paying rent on an office building. But there’s one more reason why I work there. It gives me an opportunity to meet people in the community and tell them about God’s love for them. When you become a pastor, if you don’t intentionally do things like this you will end up in a Christian bubble where the only people you ever talk to are church members and ministers from other churches.  

So last Friday when I was working on my message for Sunday I went out to the patio at BWW to get some fresh air and collect my thoughts. While I was out there thinking through some stuff for the final Job Story message a guy asked me about my shirt. I was wearing our logo shirt. On the back of the shirt it says, “Quit running from God or a giant fish might eat you.  -Jonah” After reading it they laughed and called me over to their table.

For the next hour we just talked about their life, shared our views on God, the story of Job, and church. My favorite question of the day was, “Do you think a guy like me would be accepted at your church if I walked in with the smell of beer on my breath?” Without hesitation came back a confident “Yes.” That’s why we started Essential. It’s a church for people that don’t go to church.

Later that night I got an email from someone who was at BDubs and witnessed the whole thing. I don’t know who she is or where she was sitting that afternoon because I didn’t meet her or talk to her, but I wanted to share with you a portion of her email.

This is probably gonna sound kinda weird , but I was sitting at a corner table at BDubs in Virginia Beach listening to you talk with some folks.  I just wanted to say thanks for being willing to share your faith with the folks who asked you about your t-shirt.  I saw your t-shirt when I came in and checked out your website.  You never know when a simple t-shirt can lead to a Gospel-centered conversation.  I’m praying that the seeds God is planting through you in their hearts will continue to be watered and someday result in a relationship with Christ.  I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to have them attend your church either… …Anyway, thanks for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  It encouraged me as I was working through some things to hear you sharing your faith and loving people in your everyday.

Her email kind of capped off a great day at the office. I got my sermon done. Got to meet some great people at Bdubs. And then got an encouraging email later that night. I can’t wait to see who I’ll get to meet this week at the office…er…I mean…uh…BWW.

In case you’re wondering or confused, Buffalo Wild Wings is also known as BWW, BW2, and Bdubs.