Coffee Breaks with Eternal Impact

Take That Coffee Break

Coffee Break Evangelism is an intentional moment connected to that caffeine fix. Most organizations offer us a couple of coffee breaks and a lunch break. The length of time varies, but in the Western world, it is standard practice.

However, too often, we choose to stay at our desks or isolate ourselves somewhere on the job site. Instead of heading to the break room or connecting with a coworker, we tend to dome-scroll social on our phones.

Sometimes, we just keep working, refusing to take a break at all. We convince ourselves that it’s more efficient, but is any of this wise from a kingdom perspective? Here are a few practices to help you get started.

Coffee Break Evangelism Tip #1: Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Instead, we should be intentional in our interactions with coworkers. With that in mind, the Apostle Paul offers some key insights in his letter to the Colossian Church:

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5–6 (ESV)

Locking ourselves in our office or grinding out ten extra minutes of work might not be making the most of every opportunity. It can even negatively impact our coworkers and those we lead.

#2: Choose Authenticity and Grace Over Coffee

Coffee Break Evangelism means using our breaks to be real with others. We may be Christians, but we’re just people, going through similar struggles and the day-to-day grind of life. Sharing a table or a conversation over a coffee break or lunch shows authenticity and care.

More importantly, from a Christ-centered perspective, it demonstrates love for those around us. It also opens the door for Gospel conversations. This is when our words should be full of grace and seasoned with salt.

#3: Schedule Breaks Like Appointments

Try to think back over the past month and ask God to help you remember how often you actually joined your team for a break. Moving forward, make Coffee Break Evangelism part of your intentional rhythm. Not in a weird way of course; just be a friend and wait for God to present opportunities.

Reflect on each conversation. Were they filled with grace and salt, or did they stay stuck on work? Maybe it is time for us to start scheduling breaks like appointments.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Do you take breaks at work or work straight through?
• If you work straight through, what’s your motivation?
• How does that impact the people around you?