Creating A Missional Third Space
As many of you know, I have been trying to work through the specifics of my vocational purposes in our ministry here in Winnipeg’s West End. In my desire to create a missional community for the neighbourhood, I have been studying and considering a church plant. While much of the communal and pastoral aspects have rung true for me, the pieces were not coming together. I began to despair as to figuring it out how to walk this calling out.
Recently I have been reading and reviewing Michael Frost’s book “Exiles: Living Missionally In A Post-Christian Culture” (see parts 1, 2 & 3 of the review). In this excellent book, Frost focuses a great deal on the need for Christians to engage in and create third spaces, those places in our culture where natural community forms- such as pubs, cafes, etc. Throughout the prime of Christendom, churches shared this welcoming status of a third space, but with its demise, they no longer qualify in most cases. However, most Christians still see their churches as their exclusive and highly demanding third space, thus cutting them off from the world like never before.
As I considered this, I wondered if there was a way to build those missional relationships in the creation of such a third space. If so, it would have to be something that would come out of my passions and giftings. I have tried for so long to fit into forms that didn’t fit who I was. While this is something we all have to live with in varying degrees throughout our life, I have been dealing with depression and risk of burn as a result. So what to do?
After a great deal of thought, prayer and discussion with my wife, I decided on something that, for me, is very exciting. My plan is to open a used book store in our neighbourhood, one heavy on seating, inexpensive coffee and books, and regular events to invest in the community and those into it. As a non-profit project of YWAM, we will avoid many of the overhead costs and allow our prices to be competitive, even ideal for our neighbouhood.
To that end, I have begun to set the stage for creating this exciting little venture. I will be spending the next 8 months or so collecting titles (I’m already at 200 after only a few days, but need to start with a minimum of about 4,000/5,000 titles. IF any of you, especially those of you in Winnipeg have books you are willing to part with, let me know, as I need as many as I can get my hands on.
I’d love to hear what you think of this idea. Also creative suggestions for a name might be a fun project. Let me know!
Okay Jamie, I may be biased because I’m a true bibliophile. I LOVE spending time in used bookstores. Great selection and good prices make me drool when I’m in there, and the smell is usually awesome. I’d have to say the seating and cafe part would be needed to create a sense of community in there. But a technical question: what demographic will you pander too? Is there a University crowd nearby, or what’s it like there in Winnipeg’s West end?
Hey Ken,
Good questions. We are only two blocks from the University of Winnipeg. The street where our office is moving and where we hope to get a second storefront is in a very multicultural neighbourhood. While I suspect the uni crowd will be drawn the most, my hope is to find ways of getting them intentionally involved in the community, even to move in and make it their neighbourhood. Still working out details.
Peace,
Jamie
I love used book stores, and spend a lot of time in them. I also love being downtown (hopefully I’ll move near Downtown/WestEnd someday after University…infact I may be exactly the kind of person you’re after) as I have learned for being at the new Red River Campus and now the U of W. The major question regarding this idea is, being an Administration Studies student, is there room in the Winnipeg market for another used book store?
In the greater Downtown area you have Bision books, Book Fair, Aqua Books, Red River Books, High Brow Books and Rag Pickers carries books upstairs. Personally I would love another bookstore to go and browse through, but, and understanding that your going non-profit, is their room for another bookstore in the market?
For example I know, from expirence, that the religious section at Book Fair has a low turn over likely becasue they need to compete with getting books that Aqua is wanting. I assume since Aqua is well known to specilize in religious books people bring them to Aqua to trade over Book Fair. Do you think you’ll be able to grab a piece of the books being traded in? The worst thing for a used book store is to not have a decent turn over of stock.
Also if your looking to get word out to university students about a bookstore the U of W has a very active IVCF group which could be helpful.
Just some thoughts,
Bryan
SDG
Great idea Jamie! Go for it. Did you know the c.e.o. of Starbucks also uses “third space” language in referring to their coffee shops? – a place between work and home.
Congrats Jamie! I think this is a GREAT idea. Especially the “heavy on seating, inexpensive coffee” part. How ’bout callign it “The Third Place”?
Why beat around the bush.
peace,
dan h.
Bryan,
This has occurred to me and I have been looking for ways to specialize in such a way that would help. For example, I am not sure I am going to specialize in religious titles. I would say, however, that none of the bookstores you mentioned are in the West End, the area we hope to draw from.
The challenge of turn over is real, which will require some real work and strategy. However, these are details that get worked out in time.
My desire isn’t to compete with other bookstores. However, I am still working through ideas on how to create a sustainable niche. I am open to any and all ideas. Thanks for asking these great questions!
Peace,
Jamie
Santosh,
Thanks! Yes, I have used Starbucks as an example when I explain to people the idea. As I have mentioned in the above comments, I will need to think through some ideas of how to create a unique niche. All ideas are welcomed, so let me know what you think. Also, I have people collecting books across Canada for me, so if you ever feel so inclined… (wink) Thanks again!
Peace,
Jamie
Hey Dan,
Believe it or not, “The Third Place” is on my list, as are some plays off that theme. We’ll see what happens. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie – this sounds awesome!!! What a great idea!
Dawn,
Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Man, this is an exciting idea!
FTM,
Thanks! I am excited and terrified.
Peace,
Jamie
If I was still living in Winnipeg, I’d hook you up with books and frequent patronage. Books and coffee happen to be two of my favorite things.
Couple of thoughts that occurred to me for a book store name:
Redeemed Books (maybe a little too cliche though)
Recycled Reading
Matt,
If I made a trip out east, I’d take you up on the book offer. I travel a lot, but rarely that direction. Alas! Thanks for the book names. I’ll add them to the list.
Peace,
Jamie
Dude, perhaps you should read “Confessions of a Caffeinated Christian” by John Fischer. Wendy’s still in the middle of it, so I am morally and ethically required to not touch it, but she says he’s advocating that churches should model themselves after St. Arbucks.
Rock on, Jamie! Sounds like the Spirit to me.
Peace,
Mike
Mike,
I sure hope so! Thanks.
Peace,
Jamie
Are there any particular type of books you are looking for? We certainly have books we can donate to you from time-to-time.
Kris,
There is very little I am not looking for at this stage. Trashy romances and Reader Digest Condensed are not great, but most others have potential. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie,
Please send us an address and we will get some books together to send you. Some of them may be brand new.
Kris and Scot
Kris & Scot,
Thank you so much! I will email you my address to be sure, but here it is here too:
Jamie Arpin-Ricci
518 Maryland St. – Box D
Winnipeg, MB R3G 1M5
CANADA
Though I don’t know Winnipeg, this sounds like something that could work in many different ways. Pernell Goodyear would be a good person to talk to. Their clan opened a coffee house/art gallery/church space in Hamilton, ON a while back. I try to get there every few months. Their whole mandate is much how you describe it.
Are you open to suggestions that have nothing to do with a name (as I suck at that kind of thing)?
Sounds like a great place to offer readings, book clubs, and live music if space allows. Space for artwork? Any of your YWAMers knitters or crocheters, because it also sounds like a great place to host a Stitch and Bitch group (not nearly as scary as that sounds). Seminars on writing. Workshops on bookbinding (very hip in the crafty crowds). And if you list your titles on Abebooks.com, you’ll be able to have a “second storefront” and perhaps keep the titles moving through.
Yea. Enough of my rambling.
Have fun with this
Wilsonian,
Thanks for the great input. Many of the ideas you mentioned we have been discussing. However, you have added some really great new ideas. Thanks again!
Peace,
Jamie
I have two boxes of books ready to go, but I’m going to talk to some friends and see how many more we can gather for you..
Len,
That would be great. It means a lot that you all are getting behind this idea. As I have said above, it is exciting and terrifying. Must have God in it!
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie – what are your prayer needs for this new venture? Could you sign me up to your e-prayer letter?
I must also add that I think I’m a tad jealous/envious (not sure which one yet
). I so wish I lived in Winnipeg! This is really awesome!
DAWN
Jaime,
This is so great. This type of incarnational ministry is just what is needed in the world. I have often thought of having church or starting church in a bar or coffee shop. I am looking forward to getting to know you better in the future. Thanks for the comments in the past as well.
DAWN,
At this stage, pray for more defining and specifics in the vision, resources & finances, more books, and others to come alongside this project.
I don’t have an e-prayer letter at this stage, as I tend to use this blog and my ministry blog (www.arpin-ricci.com) for updates. Thanks for the encouragement.
Peace,
Jamie
Barry,
Always enjoy your blog. Thanks for encouragement. I think more missional endeavours of this sort are needed. Surround yourself with like-minded people, step out and see what happens!
Peace,
Jamie
I am excited about what you are doing. It has been a desire of mine for some time now to run church out of an old pub. Not that we would transform the pub into a church, but the church would run out of the pub. Part time bartender, full time pastor. We would only serve Guinness and other fine Ale’s and stouts and good wiskey. I am still dreaming, but starting to walk towards it.
Phil,
That would be amazing. I can’t think of a better person to kick that kind of thing off than you. You know, start up costs here in Winnipeg are comparitively cheap… (wink)
Peace,
Jamie
Talk to Greg Dyck…he has been following the Voxtropolis coffee shop idea for awhile now…there is a format started by Dean Sharpe and Alex McManus just rolling out in the USA.(Florida I think). They have lots of great ideas for integrating ‘church’ into spaces like this. Greg should be able to direct you to the specific sites pretty quickly.
Good luck!
V.
Good thoughts. Thanks for that. I’ll do that soon.
Peace,
Jamie
Hey Jamie:
I’ve been meaning to comment for awhile – so this exciting news about your bookstore sent me into action! The possibilities for something like this in Winnipeg are endless. I’ve noticed a few references to Pernell Goodyear and FRWY in Hamilton in the comments section, and I’d like to echo them. I’ve been following the happenings at the FRWY for about a year through Pernell’s blog, and I think their experience will be invaluable to you – worth a little field trip to Hamilton to sit in their third space and ask a zillion questions. I love the fact that you’re not starting with a “church” and trying like mad to create an authentic third space from it – but you’re starting with the third space instead. That’s real life. That gets me excited. Life will spring from this – guaranteed. I’m a DTS graduate from the ywam base in Cambridge from 13 years ago… I’ll be watching your blog for ways that I can help out!
Karla,
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been hoping to take the trip out there, but I will have to wait for the right time & funding. We’ll see.
Small world! I did my DTS in Cambride in Sept. 1994 and returned there on staff until it closed. The last time I buzzed the property there was nothing but weeds and and a few piles of rubble. So sad!
Peace,
Jamie
Excellent idea, excellent blogpost. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing more about this!!!
Fernando,
Thanks! I will be posting updates here, so stay tuned.
Peace,
Jamie
great idea Jamie – it just sparked something in my own imagination! hope it goes well
Hamo,
Care to share your idea? You ave me curious now.
Peace,
Jamie