I came across an article about church as a space for co-working yesterday.
It was one of those moments when you think that something is so obvious you can’t believe everyone isn’t already doing it!
We know that working patterns have changed. Loads of people work from home now. That’s great. You don’t have to commute. You can work in your pjs, listen to whatever music you like as loud as you want, video conference, email, work hours to suit your life… Home working has lots of upside, but it can also be a lonely existence.
That’s why you see so many people camped out in coffee shops with their MacBooks. They are looking for company. The presence of other human beings. And cake.
But we also know that being with others is a creative way to work. Those conversations where people ask what you’re working on and then add some insight or suggest a contact that could help, or suggest working together on something…
So, why doesn’t your church create a space for these nomadic workers?
You have a hall that probably doesn’t get used much during the day.
You have tables and chairs.
You have a kitchen and toilets.
All you need is some good, reliable wifi, power sockets, a wifi printer and someone to be around to welcome people and put the kettle on and make a decent cup of coffee. Stick in some whiteboards and plants and you have just created co-working nirvana.
It’s like a constant coffee morning for people with jobs. And they will pay to use your space.
I’m not suggesting you become a start up incubator, yet, just a nice friendly place with space and a welcome.
There are some great examples of churches who are already doing it…
St Lydia’s in Brooklyn is my favourite. They do dinner church so they were already half way there.
So, what’s stopping your church from being a space for co-working?
Hi Stuart
Thanks for above article. Very interesting.
On another note, I noticed my old blog link still on your list under God, Faith & Church called ‘to the nth generation’ – this has now been deleted. Just for your info.
Thanks.
Blessings, Matthew.