Learning to Love People Well
Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to train at Corner Coffee in Minneapolis, MN. While I've learned a great deal about coffee, what is most impactful isn't the espresso or the recipes, which are fantastic—it's the vision behind it all.
Pastor Scott planted Corner Church by starting Corner Coffee. God gave him this incredible vision 20 years ago, and now Corner church has 5 locations around the city.
Their Vision
Corner Coffee/ Church is built on the belief that people matter. Their desire is to create spaces where people feel seen, known, and welcomed; where trust is built over time and relationships are valued more than transactions. Creating a great cup of coffee is simply the invitation—the real work is loving people well.
As I prepare to go to Costa Rica, I'm taking much more than coffee knowledge with me. I'm taking a vision for excellence in coffee quality, hospitality, intentional relationships, and creating a safe space where people can belong, ask honest questions, and experience genuine care.
Every Sunday, each location is closed for business and has church. Sometimes people walk by and see that something is going on, and pop in. It's a time when people can gather around a table, ask genuine questions, and seek the Lord. I had the incredible opportunity to share the Vision of Alcance with Corner Coffee this past Sunday.
My prayer is that what I've learned here won't simply shape the coffee Alcance serves, but the way we serve people. I hope to carry Corner Coffee's vision of building relationships, earning trust, and creating a place where people feel seen and welcomed into everything we do in Costa Rica.
Through our businesses, we pray that we can create opportunities that help the school be self-sustaining, equip students with practical skills, and provide a place where lives are shaped through meaningful work, discipleship, and authentic community. I believe God can use something as simple as a cup of coffee to open the door to conversations, relationships, and transformed lives—all for His glory.
If you want to read more about the story of Corner Coffee / Church, click the link below.
