Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Coffee almost shot out my nose as I laughed at an unexpected comment at a Christian conference center.
For several years, I’ve attended various conferences at the Ridgecrest Conference Center just outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a full-service conference location in a spiritually refreshing setting. Most importantly, it boasts the Clouds Coffee Shop. While serving gourmet coffees, teas and fresh lattes, the delightful staff also offer an assortment of drinks, ice cream, and other treats.
Since an eye-opening cup of Joe goes hand-in-hand with a cool mountain sunrise, I indulged myself with an early morning French Vanilla cappuccino. In a light-hearted moment with the baristas, I complimented their skills at being quality caffeinators. One of the spirited ladies remarked, “We’re also Dippers and Strippers!” That’s when I almost lost my coffee…!
Before you organize a Boycott Ridgecrest campaign, please hear me out. They explained that they dip ice cream, strip beds in the hotel rooms, and help however they can throughout the entire campus. Dippers, strippers, and equippers. They were joyful in their multitasking skills because they viewed everything they did as service for God.
Hands and Feet of Jesus
Which started me thinking…. Part of our role as Christians is to help equip fellow believers as we prepare the Bride of Christ for His return. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His Commission to win the lost and make disciples. Part of the art of discipleship is equipping others.
Even though it seems the dedicated ladies at the coffee shop perform tasks far removed from the “front lines” of Christianity, the “dippers and strippers” are foundational equippers. Any service to God, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is a huge contribution to God’s overall purpose.
So, here’s to the “dippers, strippers, and equippers” at the Clouds Coffee Shop as well as around the world. May we approach even the seemingly menial tasks as service to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
If you are near Ashville, North Carolina, stop by Ridgecrest and visit the coffee shop. You will be glad you did—you just might hear and see something unexpected. Joyful service with a great cup of coffee.
