Drinking Coffee with Jesus

Drinking Coffee with Jesus

from Life in Christ

By Neil McBride

Welcome to my blog! Today, we will explore the fascinating connection between Jesus Christ and England’s vibrant coffee shop culture. I will be sharing some personal stories and insights I have gained along the way. So, whether boiling water for instant coffee or brewing your favourite blend, let’s enjoy uplifting news together in a paper cup.

My journey in this transformation began when I was filled with the Holy Spirit, leading me to switch from alcohol to coffee. This was quite a challenge, especially since I often found myself in pubs. Thankfully, the Lord helped me by replacing the old habit (alcohol) with something new (coffee).

Before 2012, I viewed coffee houses as places for middle-class Italian men. However, after receiving the Holy Spirit, my social surroundings changed dramatically. I am grateful to God for guiding me away from alcohol-laden environments and into a community brimming with espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. A paper cup replaced my old pint glass. I do not miss my past but consider it a valuable lesson.

Before establishing a personal relationship with the Lord, I had never set foot in a coffee house. That moment began my wonderful relationship with coffee, which has lasted over 12 years. As a born-again Christian, I have come to view coffee shops as my office and a sanctuary amidst my hectic life as an Englishman.

Now, let us dive into the story of coffee in a country known for its love of tea.

 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Like many cultural institutions, the coffee house boasts a rich and fascinating history. While I could easily compose an extensive account, I will concentrate specifically on the connection between coffee and England. The introduction of coffee to England can primarily be attributed to the efforts of the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company. A report by Leonhard Rauwolf in 1583 indicates that coffee had already made its way to England by the 16th century. The inaugural coffeehouse in the country was founded by Pasqua Rosée, a servant of a Turkish goods trader named Daniel Edwards, on St. Michael’s Alley in Cornhill. Edwards played a pivotal role in importing coffee and aiding Rosée in establishing the café. The Grand Cafe in Oxford is recognised as England’s first coffeehouse, opened in 1650 by a Jewish individual named Jacob. While it continues to operate today, it has since transformed into a popular wine bar. Another notable establishment, Queen’s Lane Coffee House in Oxford, was launched in 1654 and remains operational. By 1675, more than 3,000 coffeehouses had emerged throughout England. The trend quickly spread across Europe and eventually reached America. While some countries, like Germany, included women in their coffeehouse culture, England frequently excluded them. Many people also believed that coffee possessed various medicinal properties during this period.

As mentioned, I like spending time in coffee shops with other Christians. However, I would often visit my local coffee shop alone. I try my hardest not to spend too much in my house. Especially If I am on a rest day from my normal job. I love going for long walks or a run. I consider myself to be an introvert, which always comes as a shock to a lot of people because I am an evangelist. I do love my own company; I can handle people, but only for a short time. I found coffee houses to be my safe place because even when their shop can be busy, you can find a way to be alone. I usually bring my headphones and listen to music; I choose to close the door on the rest of the world. Last year, I started blogging, and before, I would spend hours alone with a bible. I called it, as the title. For this blog is named. Drinking Coffee with Jesus. What I mean by this title is spending time alone with Jesus while eating on the word of the Lord. After receiving the Holy Spirit, It was on my heart to seek a greater understanding of the Word. I structured my bible course. I love this period; it was learning directly from the Holy Spirit. I felt all new to me, and I could not stop learning. Today, I do not put in the hours I used to when it comes to the word of God, but when I think of a newborn baby in Christ, the bible becomes the most important thing in my life. It is a guide to how to overcome a troublesome world. It is a book that lifts you above the disturbances in life.  I see the Holy Spirit as the most important teaching for understanding the bible. Through the Holy Spirit, we can see hidden teachings that can apply to modern living in 2025. Over the century, so many historical and scientific texts have become outdated. The books written by Moses between 1445 and 1406AD (Ref. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers) It always amazes me how, in 2025, I sat in a cosy coffee shop in England with a hot latte and a chocolate cake muffin and learned from God chosen prophet. It does not have to be a coffee shop; it could be in a private area of your home, using public transport; the Lord will provide the space, and there is no excuse not to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)

I felt called to share the good news when I became a Christian. I used to go out on Thursday mornings with a friend from church. Our usual plan was to meet for coffee or a healthy breakfast before heading out. We would switch between different locations, so the coffee shop or café varied each week. Others often joined us; these times were significant to me because I always enjoyed the fellowship as we looked up scripture or discussed recent talks we had been listening to.

The Lord loves it when the church gathers, especially in social settings. The church isn’t just a building; it’s a community. Wherever two or three Christians are together, the Lord is present. Jesus Christ is the one who leads any outreach. He is the first and last person in the coffee shop.

These meetings were not about devising a master plan or strategy but discussing anything and everything. While filled with the Holy Spirit, we still face struggles and challenges in our earthly lives. Therefore, the time spent in the coffee shop was an opportunity to renew our strength through the good things in the Lord. Thursday’s outreach served as my time for counselling, thanks to my good relationships with those who attended. Sometimes, there were just two of us, while three to nine people joined at other times.

Additionally, asking for honest feedback on previous activities provided valuable insights. The fellowship before outreach is just as important as the outreach itself. Jesus built the church to foster unity and open doors for spiritual growth. Over the years, I have learned more about myself over a hot cup of coffee alongside a traditional English breakfast.

As Christians, we live in a fast-paced world where it’s easy to overlook quality time with friends from church. These moments meant a lot to me because it is incredibly helpful to carve out space for reflection on the present.

 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

Getting lost in your little world can be easy, especially when you enjoy a hot drink and a fancy cake with friends. As I write this blog in a local coffee shop filled with people, I find joy in the sport of people-watching. This activity involves observing how individuals interact in public. It’s fascinating to recognise the unique quirks of people, allowing us to interpret their stories, relationships, and interactions from the limited details we can see. This analysis considers various factors, including speech, relationship dynamics, body language, facial expressions, clothing, activities, and overall crowd behaviour. It creates an opportunity to engage in interaction with friendly words. A coffee shop serves as a social hub where hidden stories await discovery. However, we often choose to retreat into our worlds.

Despite this tendency, we can break social norms to connect with others. My first attempt at this was a daunting experience, but it resonated with many people in England, where sociability is common. Unfortunately, many have adopted a negative mindset about what is acceptable in public interactions. The Bible illustrates the importance of personal connection; for example, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples, breaking bread and drinking wine on His final night before His crucifixion. During that intimate gathering, Jesus had much to share, engaging His friends in conversation—an example of discussing the good things in life and the kingdom of heaven. A coffee shop can be the perfect setting to discuss topics related to the one who redeems sinners through His sacrifice on the cross. Speaking from a place of love and truth takes courage and often requires us to embrace vulnerability.

Furthermore, we should seek divine wisdom to guide our conversations. God has designed us to be social beings; our ears are meant for listening, and our mouths are for speaking. While there are moments when solitude is beneficial, as born-again Christians, we need to reach out and engage with others. I prioritise listening over speaking in conversations. I ask open-ended questions, allowing the other person to guide the interaction. Taking a genuine interest in others is crucial. I’ve noticed that many Christians engage in conversations without truly listening. While observing, I often see signs of disengagement—people looking at their phones or shifting their body language away from the conversation.

It can be easy to become overenthusiastic about heavenly matters, and I admit I get excited, too. However, as Christians, we must remember to love people. An important aspect of love is giving someone the space to express themselves. The more we listen, the more the other person feels valued and understood, allowing us to share what we are passionate about.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

The coffee shop serves as a safe space for meaningful conversations. When I engage in outreach, I am mindful of the time I dedicate to each individual. It can be easy to spend too long with those who are not interested, resulting in discussions that turn into debates about life without mentioning the gospel. As mentioned, I enjoy listening to people rather than dominating conversations. One reason for this approach is to gather information, which helps me create relevant context for our interaction.

On this occasion, I met a member of the Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons). He was dressed in his typical attire, looking well-studied, with a name badge displaying his full name and the title “Elder.” This is a common approach they take when sharing their beliefs. The gentleman was friendly and easy to talk to, but I was short on time, so I invited him to the local coffee shop. I wanted to connect with him as an individual, not just as a representative of the Mormon church. After working the night before and getting little sleep, we agreed to meet at 2 PM.

I have had numerous conversations with people from the Mormon church in the past, but they often devolved into pointless debates about the Book of Mormon. As a coffee lover, I found it challenging that their teachings discourage the consumption of hot drinks, such as coffee or herbal tea. Without my coffee, I felt out of sorts and extremely tired.

When I arrived at the coffee shop, I noticed he was dressed casually rather than in his usual uniform. He pointed out that he was wearing “normal” clothes. I ordered a green tea, which made me feel odd. Milk is a key ingredient in a good cup of coffee or tea, but my drink was just green water with a floating tea bag. While healthier, this did nothing to keep me awake.

We sat down with some scripture spread out on the table. I asked him open-ended questions about his faith and personal life. He was a nice man, but I did not agree with Mormon doctrine; I believe that only Jesus Christ saves sinners. Although I had studied his church’s teachings and history, I recognised that our purpose is not to win debates but to win souls.

The conversation was challenging due to my fatigue, but gaining experience from these discussions is valuable. I usually conduct follow-ups at the coffee shop, as not everyone feels comfortable attending church. I enjoy building relationships with new friends, as trust increases the likelihood of them coming to church and hearing the message of salvation. Unfortunately, he did not join me at church. However, I still learned a lot from our meeting.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:6)

It was a cold winter day in England, and my church was preaching the gospel in a local town. Although I felt uncomfortable that day, I attended to support the outreach. At that time, I had unwritten rules about participating in church activities: it didn’t matter how I felt; I always had to support the work.

The town was busy, as it was a bustling shopping day. I didn’t have many insightful interactions, but I accepted the good with the bad. Ultimately, I found joy in knowing that important work was being done on Earth. I met two amazing people from Ukraine, and after our conversation, we agreed to meet for coffee. One mentioned he would bring his wife, whose father was a local Russian-speaking church pastor. One of the church leaders joined us, which benefited me as it allowed me to learn more about follow-up interactions with someone with a different life experience. I always appreciate following up with others from the church, as we are a team with Jesus Christ as our leader.

We decided to go to a nearby hotel for coffee; it was my first time enjoying coffee in a hotel setting. Usually, I would opt for the nearest Starbucks, but this felt like a five-star experience. Relaxing music played in the background as we sat on comfortable sofas around a wooden table for our drinks. To my followers, if you find yourself in London and are searching for a quiet place in one of the busiest cities in the world, consider visiting a hotel for a hot drink.

This meeting was a learning opportunity, similar to my experience with a Mormon friend. It was a new experience that helped me grow as a Christian. If we don’t continue to develop our communication, the gospel risks being hidden under the table.

I did not talk much during the meeting because I wanted to listen and learn from the church leader. The Ukrainians were such humble people, and our engagement was a blessing from God. We may not have agreed on everything, but that wasn’t the point; we explored God’s Word together. God bless them.

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

I went alone on a sunny yet cold spring day in England. Feeling confident about the day, I prayed while walking towards my chosen location. I remained mindful not to let overconfidence take over, as I wanted the day to be focused on my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, rather than on myself. I became more faithful to the Word at this stage in my walk. I spent much time drinking coffee with Jesus at my local Starbucks and engaging with the Scriptures.

While I enjoyed sharing my testimony with a member of the public, sometimes I would pull out my Bible from my back pocket to review Scripture. I smiled and approached a lady from the wonderful nation of Brazil. She was a born-again Christian, so I asked her which Scripture she had been studying. She mentioned the book of Leviticus. In the weeks leading up to this encounter, I learned this book, particularly the seven feasts of Israel. I believe it is one of the most underrated books in the Bible.

Leviticus talks a lot about the role of the Levite tribe, whose main responsibility was to work in the temple, offer sacrifices for the nation’s sins, and ensure the Lord’s teachings were shared with the people. I invited the lady to join me for coffee at Starbucks as we prepared for a short Bible study on Leviticus. We entered the coffee shop and ordered our drinks. I ordered a latte on a large paper cup with my first name written in black marker, while she opted for a cappuccino in a much smaller paper cup. We stood by a high table with no chairs. She seemed more Italian than Brazilian, and since I have Italian heritage through my mother’s side of the family, I wondered if that’s where my love for coffee comes from, inherited from my late grandmother.

We opened our Bibles with our paper cups in hand and discussed the key points from the Scripture. Although Leviticus may not be a common choice for outreach, we enjoyed each other’s fellowship as the Holy Spirit provided us with words to reflect upon. It was a beautiful moment as I connected with my new Brazilian friend through the Word of God and shared a warm drink crafted by the friendly staff at Starbucks.

May the Lord continue to bless the people of Brazil.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20)

I truly enjoy a good coffee shop, but my affection goes beyond the rich aroma of the beans. These establishments serve as hubs for fellowship, providing spaces for reading, studying the Bible, and engaging in meaningful conversations. They also facilitate the making of new friends and allow us to learn about the diverse lifestyles of others, adding variety to our experiences. The world would certainly be monotonous if there were only one type of gathering spot.

Before 2008, pubs were the primary social centres for many people in this country. However, after the UK government implemented a ban on indoor smoking, numerous pubs have closed as patrons now prefer to purchase their alcohol from local supermarkets. Yet, what fades away is often replaced by something new. The UK has transformed into a nation that loves coffee; for me, coffee houses have become the latest social hubs. I hope this trend continues, and I pray that the Lord protects local coffee shop owners from the large corporations in the coffee industry.

Thank you for reading my blog; I appreciate all of the love. This has all been made possible through the love of Jesus Christ.

“Drinking Coffee with Jesus”

Life in Christ

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)