There’s no shortage of theological gridlock within the church today over myriad weighty issues, but pastor and theologian John Piper recently ignited discourse on a relatively unexpected topic: gulping down coffee during church services.
Piper posted a short message on X Sept. 30, seemingly casting doubt on whether it’s appropriate to caffeinate in the sanctuary—and it sparked quite the back-and-forth.
“Can we reassess whether Sunday coffee-sipping in the sanctuary fits?” Piper wrote, before adding text from Hebrews 12:28. The Scripture reads, “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
— John Piper (@JohnPiper) September 30, 2023
The post sparked over 2,800 likes, 1,025 shares, and a multitude of responses from people who agree drinking coffee during services is suspect—and those who openly shared they consume soda, water, or other beverages while watching pastors sermonize.
It was a surprising debate, yet one that yielded passionate takes from both sides.
