In recent times many of my days now start at McDonalds. Not for a Mcbreakfast but for a coffee. Often its a meeting before I go into the office or prior to heading off for somwhere else. Today is no different. I am sitting in McDonalds, Newport Road before heading off to Cardiff Church Leaders to talk with them about about Street Pastors You can say what you like about McDonalds but the customer service here today is excellent. The battery ran out on my MacBook and the cleaner opened up the childrens area so I could access a plug! This morning my mind ran to coffee and the impact that it has had in the UK in the last few years. It is not that long since we were all happy to settle for a bland cup of instant in our homes or offices. Now things have changed. Lead by the chains such as Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Costa Coffee and the rest our coffee experience is now very different. Not only do we demand more from our coffee, such that burger joints and local cafes have all been affected, we also see the drinking as a much more social experience. Now many business and social meetings happen in coffee shops. What a pleasant civilised development this is. What has powered this revolution? I suppose things like brand awareness, quality products,marketing, peer group pressure, tv programmes such as Friends, increased expectations and aspirational lifestyles all help. (I should add here that free Wi-Fi is a big one for me!). So the establishments are not just offering a drink, they are offering a lifestyle experience. Here is the not so subtle segway to the church! At best and if we work at it the church can offer all the above with added value! It can offer a truly caring community, a life changing message and an unbeatable experience. All we need to do is get some decent coffee and we could clean-up!