In late March, the Southwestern Union hosted preview events in anticipation of the launch of a new community outreach initiative, the Bread and Better Life Café. The development of Bread and Better Life Café has been spearheaded by Southwestern Union Health Ministries director Randall Phillips, along with leaders from the union and a partnership with the North American Division.

Located near downtown Fort Worth, Bread and Better Life Café is designed to inspire, transform, and provide a welcoming environment to our neighbors. Bread and Better Life Café will offer hot beverages and smoothies along with small bites in its bistro-style Social Room. Adjacent, in the Community Room, workshops will be offered to the public to enhance well-being in areas like physical health, emotional wellness, healthy relationships, and personal development. Within the Community Room is The Nook, a smaller space for intimate groups and physical therapy offerings.

During the preview events, denominational leaders experienced the ambiance and offerings of Bread and Better Life Café. Local church members explored the facilities and were invited to learn about volunteer opportunities. Special dedication prayers were held, and the building was anointed, consecrating this unique work to the Lord.

As a center of influence, Bread and Better Life Café echoes the spirit of the Pentecost 2025 initiative, which calls for every church member to engage in creative, community-centered evangelism. With a mission to impact their neighbors’ lives for the better — whether through a word of hope over a warm drink or by leading a practical workshop — Bread and Better Life Café fosters meaningful connections and meets real-life needs, reflecting the early church’s model of sharing Christ through personal, relational ministry.

The Southwestern Union is excited to be opening the doors of Bread and Better Life Café early this summer. With anticipation building, the team is preparing to welcome guests into a space designed for connection, compassion, and wholistic well-being.

“Bread and Better is an opportunity for the Seventh-day Adventist Church to introduce ourselves to the community — not just by what we believe, but by how we serve,” said Southwestern Union president Carlos Craig.

“People have pain in various aspects of their lives — physical, emotional, financial — and we are here to listen, serve, and help alleviate that however we can,” added Phillips.

Ultimately, Bread and Better Life Café is a place where nourishment meets nurture, and Adventists will love and serve anyone in our community with no strings attached.

— Kristina P. Busch is the editor and communication director of the Southwestern Union. This article was originally published on the Southwestern Union Record website on April 16, 2025.