Postmodern Spirituality

Lessons learned in evangelism and Christianity while serving a cynical generation

In 2003, Daniel Hill held a steady part-time job working one or two shifts a week at Starbucks. It was hardly a career-track position, and it was not that he needed the extra cash or battled a secret caffeine addiction. It was the people.

For Hill, whose day job was ministering on staff with Willow Creek Community Church's Axis ministry, Starbucks provided a context to build meaningful relationships with postmodern, Gen-Next 20-somethings who were far from God.

"Nothing has been more transforming for me than working at Starbucks," says Hill. "These people matter to me."

But the moonlighting gig wasn't a free pass to easy evangelism. His coffee colleagues were like a good cup of triple espresso—plenty of steam, a little bitter, and enough kick to knock you on your backside if you aren't careful.

With fingers pointed at Christians, we're obliged to identify the underlying accusations and offer a response. Three questions are at the core.... Read more