Associate Pastor Keven Christy along with Children’s Ministries Director, Mike King, had a lot in common even before leading the Music Café @ Common Grounds ministry at Mount Hope.

“When Mike [King] came here we both got to talking and we both realized we had a lot in common, including the same vision for a coffee ministry,” said Pastor Keven. “We wanted it to be a casual environment where adults could come in, enjoy great music and fellowship but then also still be evangelistic in nature and sharing Christ’s love to others.”

“It’s really interesting our connection,” shared King. “It was almost like long lost friends from Pennsylvania that never knew each other until now. Our overarching theme is being intentional about evangelism through the coffee house venue, through the testimonies of the artist, through the ministry highlight of the night, through advertising I am second.com, God of life.org.”

‘Simple but significant’
“My desire in music is always an attitude of worship,” explained Pastor Keven. “Me being able to play an instrument - that’s my form of worship. So to be able to create an environment where people are using those gifts and people are being blessed is where I get excited. They experienced the presence of God, and it’s all about creating an environment for the Holy Spirit to be in this room and work as effectively as possible. We try to keep things simple but significant.”

According to Pastor Keven, at any given Music Café, he and Mike try to allocate all of the tips to go to a ministry at the church or to a missionary the church supports.

“Another way that we’ve really helped connect people with Mount Hope, through this ministry, is highlighting the Wednesday night programs,” added Pastor Keven. “We really create an avenue of if you like the Music Cafe here’s some next steps.”

Seeing God’s Favor
Before each Music Café starts, Pastor Keven and Mike sit down with the artists to make sure they are aware of the vision for the evening.

“At first we didn’t expect this to be as it is,” shared Mike. “We had a huge response from the outside community when this thing first kicked off. And we have been blessed by the artists. This is a testimony of God’s favor.”

“It’s helped me to recognize that God works regardless of what our perception is in situations,” added Pastor Keven. “No matter what my attitude is - if I come into it stressed or thinking it is going to go a certain way, time and time again God shows up and His way is far more important. This is what has been the blessing. To see it thrive not by anything that we’re doing, but that God is doing it through us.”

The Next Music Café
The fifth Music Cafe this year will take place on Friday, Dec. 9th from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Christmas music will be performed by Trevor Gordon Hall along with special guest, Nate Miller. Enjoy music, as well as special poetry, a warm beverage, and meet some new faces. This event is designed for adults 18 years or older. Childcare will not be provided for this event. Admission at the door is $8. Drinks (coffee, hot chocolate, and tea) will be complementary. For more information please visit Mount Hope Christian Center's Facebook Fan Page here.

The next Music Café is scheduled for February 2012. If you would like to learn more, or find out how you can get involved, contact Pastor Keven at kchristy@mounthope.org or Mike King at mking@mounthope.org.

Check out the highlights from May's Music Cafe:

Music Cafe @ Common Grounds from Brian Krogh on Vimeo.