Making Echo Coffee

How to Start a Church Coffee Shop: The Story Behind Echo Coffee at Echo Life Church

At Echo Life Church (ELC) in Pensacola, the journey to creating a successful church coffee shop was one marked by faith, vision, and collaboration. If you’re wondering how to start a church coffee shop that serves both your congregation and your community, Echo Life Church’s story offers valuable insight.

The Vision: A Church Designed for Community

In December 2022, Echo Life Church unveiled its beautifully renovated facility at the former Highlands Terrace shopping center. The building was designed to be a hub for connection—with a spacious lobby, a bright auditorium, a welcoming kids center, and a purpose-built café space equipped with a full kitchen and ample seating. The church’s leadership had the foresight to include coffee services in its design, though they waited for the right team to bring that vision to life.

A New Family, a New Opportunity

Fast forward to August 2023, when the Singer family attended their first service at ELC. Inspired by the church’s vibrant community and powerful message, they quickly became committed members. But by their second week, they noticed something intriguing: the beautiful café space attached to the church lobby sat empty, waiting for purpose.

Echo Coffee Co before Inheritance Coffee

In September 2023, over a meal with the church’s pastors, the Singers shared their passion for coffee and ministry. The pastors revealed that the café had remained vacant—they were waiting on God to send the right people. That conversation sparked what would soon become a thriving coffee ministry.

Crafting the Plan: Laying the Foundation for a Successful Church Coffee Shop

By mid-September, the pastors asked the Singers to draft a business plan proving the viability of a church-owned coffee shop. With their professional coffee experience and a heart for ministry, the Singers got to work.

On October 16, 2023, the Singers presented their plan—complete with a financial review and a proposal to lease their own commercial coffee equipment to the church at favorable terms. This dramatically reduced startup costs, making the coffee shop both affordable and sustainable. The plan was approved, and on Vision Sunday (October 18, 2023), the pastors announced the goal: Echo Life Church would launch its coffee shop in 2024.

From Concept to Creation: How Echo Life Brought the Vision to Life

Between October and December 2023, the church’s Above and Beyond giving campaign raised funds to support the coffee shop launch. The Singers continued consulting with other coffee shop owners, refining their plan, and sourcing equipment and supplies.

A major breakthrough came on January 22, 2024, when the church received a generous gift earmarked for the coffee shop. The next day, the pastors encouraged the Singers to accelerate the project. Together, they finalized supply lists, drafted contracts, and built relationships with vendors for coffee, tea, pastries, and more.

By March 2024, everything was in motion—custom furniture was installed, branding completed, and systems ordered. When asked if the shop could open for Easter Sunday (March 29, 2024), the Singers said yes—with the help of swift contractor work and final purchases. On March 28, just one day before Easter, the final infrastructure was complete.

Launching a Successful Church Coffee Shop: Echo Coffee Opens Its Doors

What began as a question turned into seven months of collaboration, prayer, and planning. On Easter Sunday 2024, Echo Coffee at Echo Life Church celebrated its soft launch—welcoming guests with handcrafted drinks and warm hospitality.

In the following months, the Singers implemented feedback loops, refined operations, and updated the menu. By August 4, 2024, Echo Coffee celebrated its full public launch—open seven days a week, serving both the congregation and the wider community.

What We Learned About How to Start a Church Coffee Shop

If you’re exploring how to start a church coffee shop, here are key takeaways from Echo Life Church’s journey:

  • Align with your church’s mission: A successful church coffee shop supports ministry, connection, and outreach.

  • Create a detailed business plan: Include financials, equipment strategies, and operational goals.

  • Leverage existing resources: Consider leasing or borrowing equipment to lower upfront costs.

  • Foster strong partnerships: Collaboration between church leadership and dedicated members is vital.

  • Adapt and improve: Use feedback to fine-tune your offerings and operations.

Ready to Build Your Own Church Coffee Shop Ministry?

Whether you’re dreaming of how to start a church coffee shop or looking for inspiration from a successful church coffee shop story, Echo Coffee’s experience shows that with faith, planning, and community, it’s possible to create something truly special.

Contact us to learn how we can help your church create a coffee ministry that connects and serves.