Acoustic Cafe - how it began

A few years ago some friends were talking about their halcyon days of teenage life, going to "Power Point" and concerts; events that they were now sadly too old for.

They discussed how these events had helped shape their Christian lives and how often they provided teaching which was aimed at their age group and was presented in a way that was interesting and relevant.

As well as the teaching side, there was the quality entertainment and social aspects of meeting together. You could bring non-Christian friends into an environment that was welcoming to them and not as intimidating as church can be perceived. Many friendships were formed through these meetings and young people were able to help and encourage each other.

No longer being teenagers, but still managing to be friends, these people recognised a need in their own lives for a meeting place to replace the youth events.

Many churches have excellent youth work and Sunday schools but do not cater directly for the 18-65 age group who are left to attend Sunday services without much else in the way of help and support. On top of that, some people find it hard going at church. Very often their experience or needs do not tie in with the church's perspective.

Having identified the needs, the friends went away and prayed about it. It was not something they took lightly.

From the first discussions, it was well over a year before the idea started to take shape as a café where people could gather together to hear Christian artists and speakers, enjoy excellent food and drink and have good company. The aims of the café are:

to establish a comfortable venue for Christians and non-Christians to meet in a relaxed environment.
to encourage, help and challenge people and allow friendships to be forged.
to offer quality entertainment along with guest speakers
to give the opportunity for established and unknown Christian artists to perform.
to offer excellent food and drink.
to establish a "safe place", like a sanctuary for those who are uncomfortable in church or are hurting in some way. It could be seen as a halfway house between the street and the church.

It was envisioned to be so much more than "just" a café.