Aug 22 2008
Confessions of a barista
Many of you know that I serve on staff at a new church in NW Charlotte. I know God called us to serve here but unfortunately the church can’t bring on a full-time salaried person quite yet. I’ve been looking all summer for a 2nd job. As most of you know I used to hang out at Starbucks every day to pray, read, study and meet people. It was a great experience. Unfortunately I haven’t been doing that since I resigned my former church for obvious reasons! $$$$
My wife and I were in Uptown (downtown for other cities) Charlotte walking around. Uptown Charlotte is a cool place. If we didn’t have children at home I would love to live there. I love big cities and Uptown has the feel of a little NYC. People are moving in droves to the condos and townhomes in Uptown. While we were walking around I saw a competitor to Starbucks coffee shop that had a sign looking for employees. So 2 days later I applied for a job. I actually interviewed with the manager and participated in an in store experience. I thought for sure the manager was going to offer me a job but he told me later that week that he wasn’t going to get to hire anyone until maybe the fall.
In the mean time I applied at another of the Starbucks competitors (online) in the building of the largest bank in America. That was 3 weeks ago. On Monday I called the 1st store back and asked if business had gotten better and he said no so I pretty much ruled it out. Then on Tuesday I met my friend Mike Landrum at the Starbucks I used to go to on a regular basis and I was about to apply for a position there. But I overheard the manager say that they were one of the casualties of the Starbucks closure. I never realized that my stopping to hang out there would cause them to close! 
After having lunch with Mike Landrum I got a call from the 2nd store manager of the Starbucks rival store and he wanted to meet with me. He knows the other manager and he believes the reason he didn’t hire me was because of my faith. But this manager has no problem with me. So yesterday I did another in store experience and it was great. In fact the 1st manager walked in to get some straws and my new manger got a kick out of it. I hold no grudge and know that God had His reasons. I even had a chance to talk about God’s will vs. fate.
I’m not there to convert people and I have no ulterior motives other than I need the money. But I don’t believe God allows things to happen by accident. I’m praying that my book, Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee will be accepted by the literary agent that I have been talking with. But I already have another book in mind called “CONFESSIONS OF A BARISTA.”
I can’t wait to the stories I will get from working in the real world. I’m excited about working in Uptown Charlotte because I see a real need for God among the people who live and work there. Camey Gravley affectionately calls her husband the “Wal-Mart” pastor so maybe I can be the “Coffee Pastor.” Should be an interesting ride!
17 responses so far
Congratulations, Kevin!
I’ll pray for your book. I didn’t realize that was in the queue. It has a provocative title and I know your content will be good and authentic.
Neil’s last blog post..Weekly roundup
Praying for you K in your new venture. I do not think anything is my accident or coincidence. You are there for a purpose. It will be exciting to hear your stories.
Bill (cycleguy)’s last blog post..Left Behind
How in the world did you come up with the title for your book?
I love how God is working this out for you! And, I love the fact that the first manager walked in during the experience…who knows how God is going to use you to reach him.
Now, the real question is, do you get free coffee?
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..It Ain’t From God
The real question is: What happens when you step over to Starbucks for a fix?
Benjie’s last blog post..The Cough Is Gone
My question is, if you get free coffee, should we expect lots of 3AM posts because you can’t say no?
Michael’s last blog post..Daniel 6 and the Line between Loving God and Respecting the State
Congrats on your book and your new gig, Kevin!! And best wishes.
Kevin,
This is an answer to one of those “dangerous” prayers I’ve been praying for you… we’ve been praying for you… Yes, since that very first email I sent you. God.. you.. people.. coffee… Cannot wait to hear and see!
Yes, I do affectionately call him that. He is known as that (and the Lawn Pastor) all over G-town. People ask him to pray for them… tell him their life stories and etc.
And we are seeing people noticing God’s kindness and love.
That our dear brother is priceless as you know.
Camey’s last blog post..Shhhh. Since He’s Already Read..
Neil, A3 & Bill ,
Thanks
Steve,
Maybe I’m on to something like the Left Behind Series. Next will be Confessions of a NASCAR crew member, then Confessions of a Bama Football Fan, any others?
Benji,
Why do I feel like I’m cheating on Starbucks?
Michael,
That happens anyway. The bonus is I get free beans every week!
Camey,
Thanks, I think… I always pray dangerous prayers. Now I have an friend like you doing the same thing… Scary!
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Confessions of a barista
kevin~ i’m so pumped for you! ironically, i’m actually sitting in a caribou coffee right now! lol!
adam’s last blog post..my wife: the iron girl
The “confessions of a Bama football fan” should be SHORT, indeed!
And if I were a caffeine-er, I’d come to Charlotte just to visit your in the Starbucks!
But alas, I caffeine-freed almost three years ago…
Phil Hoover’s last blog post..Church Issue #3: Non-Abusing Churches
Got any coffee burns yet?
Robert Pooley’s last blog post..Glen Campbell covers Green Day
Phil,
Adam has the right place. I’m turning to the dark side!
Don’t “God” them to death. Seriously, a lot of preachers tend to do this. If a conversation leads in that direction, fine. Just don’t “preach” to people all day.
Grande, decaf, non-fat, toffee nut latte please. With whip.
Marty Duren’s last blog post..On the marrying of a daughter
Mrs. O,
I think I said that was my plan.
Marty,
Come on over & I’ll fix you one.
Kevin — I encourage you to view this ‘opportunity’ as the ulimate service for God. When I started working at “Wal-Mart” I had to daily ask myself why had God led me to this place. It only took a few days and several conversations later to understand why. The “Wal-Mart” here in G-town has between 400-500 employees, and the vast majority don’t know Christ let alone know a professing Christian. This just breaks my heart and is truely sad.
The world is so lost and headed to hell because we are not engaging the lost and loving them as Christ loved us.
Brother, I will pray for you like never before. Be a light and reap the harvest.
Brother “G”
Thanks Bro. G.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Former Carolina Panther brought it today!