Page 23 begins to paint this picture in my mind. They talk about a man named Brock Bingaman that opened up a shoe store (his great passion) to serve the community and to begin to blend the secular and non secular lives. A shoe store fitting people with the love of Christ and a snazzy pair of sneakers! From that point, they talk about different places doing the same sort of thing; a bar, an art gallery, etc. Moving outside the walls of the Church. Moving out of the "come to us" mindset. I cannot help but get a picture of a downtown. A street full of shops. Some owned by Christians, some not. Blended beautifully. Owners of shops getting to know the people in the community. Helping to serve their needs. What would your shop be? Help me paint this picture.
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6 comments:
Personally, my store would be a ceramic painting store. How relaxing it is to sit down and take a piece of plain pottery and make it into something special. To create art. Imagine the conversations that could begin. I think I could see into peoples hearts by what they make. Also, I think it would be a great opportunity to open up to children in inner city schools to come for free and create art. That would be my store.
P.S. that is a picture of Federal Street in downtown Youngstown a long long time ago.
I would own a music store. We could offer lessons, rentals and a bulletin board to help professional and not so professional musicians find each other. In addition, any musician that is a regular and a recording artist could bring their CD in and sell it on consignment. I would also put 1 song into the store music rotation to help promote them.
Books, art, and coffee. I'd love to connect with lonely people through things they love.
Maybe add some book clubs or watercolor classes...
Along the lines of your ceramic painting store - time in a relaxed atmosphere to connect and develop friendships.
I met Brock just before he and his brother had opened their store. In the time that it was open they touched and changed the lives of many people including myself.
Their store was so much more than just a shoe store. It was a place that shared ideas, art, music and most of all friendship. They made the lives of all people that crossed there path richer and fuller.
Chin Phro,
Can you tell me more about your experience with Brock? I would love to hear about it! I truely am amazed at what he has done! Thank you for sharing on here!
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