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Beyond the Pews

Beyond the Pews is a blog series highlighting inspiring stories of local churches that are taking ministry beyond their buildings and into their communities. Each story showcases creative ways congregations are living out their faith—serving, connecting, and sharing God’s love in everyday places.

Have a story to share? 
Where have you seen ministry happening outside the church walls—on porches, in coffee shops, at ballfields, or even in a tattoo parlor? We’d love to highlight how God is at work in everyday places. Share your story here so others can be inspired by the ways faith meets people right where they are. 

Beyond the Pews: The BibleKing Ladies
What started as a small, private Bible study for three women at Oswego: Trinity UMC has become a joyful local ministry known as The BibleKing Ladies. Meeting weekly at their neighborhood Burger King since 2017, the group recently completed reading the entire Bible and continues exploring new faith topics over breakfast and conversation. Their warm fellowship has made them a fixture in the community—welcomed by restaurant staff, noticed by curious customers, and united by a simple mission: to learn, share, and live out God’s love—one cup of coffee at a time. Click here to read the story.

Beyond the Pews: Out of Office Hours 
Each Thursday in Latham, NY, the Rev. Dr. Nick Bufano takes ministry beyond the walls of Newtonville UMC with “Out of Office Hours” at The Works Café. From noon to 1:30 p.m., he offers coffee, conversation, and care to anyone who stops by—church members, café staff, or curious passersby. What began as a simple outreach has become a beloved community ritual, reminding all that church can happen anywhere—even at a café table over a cup of coffee. Click here to read the story.

Beyond the Pews: Church on the porch
What happens when church moves beyond the walls of a sanctuary and into everyday life?For Pastor J Lanni, ministry found a new home this summer—on a front porch. What began as one man’s search for guidance has grown into a circle of Scripture, prayer, and honest conversations about faith. Learn how a porch became holy ground and is spreading like wildfire. Click here to read the story.