A RICHER BLEND
THE LABEL ON THE BAG OF STARBUCKS© coffee read:
Kopelani Blend
A blend of African, Latin American,
And 10% Kona Coffees
Juicy and Refined
As I contemplated what the aroma and taste of this new coffee blend might be my thoughts were drawn to an exciting reality taking place in Christendom. The reality involves the moving of Christianity’s “center of gravity,” from the northern hemisphere to the south. Christianity’s center has always been on the move.
It started in what we now know as the Middle East and progressed to the north and to the west, settling for centuries in Europe and then, at least the Protestant brand, migrated across The Pond, and found a welcoming home on the shores of the New World. But now we are discovering that the mission and theological middle is moving to the south and east, settling places like the Orient, Africa and Latin America. In fact, if you think that most evangelicals are white and know Rick Warrren of Saddleback Church, you’d be wrong. Maybe the new Starbucks© blend is prophetic.
I am excited about this new movement. (Though not everyone joins me in that excitement). I believe this movement will add new depth and flavor to the church. The church in the southern hemisphere, as Richard Starcher (previous Free Church missionary) pointed out in a recent article in the Biola Magazine, the African church brings a strong mixture of reformed theological understanding and a charismatic worship-life. It is a church that is flourishing in the midst of great trial and tragedy, and out of that crucible a vibrant church is growing. And we have much to learn from these brothers and sisters.
Care to sample a new cup?

