The difference between Lutherans and Calvinists: Calvinists worldview is that worship is what we do for God, and because of that, reassessing whether coffee in public worship is an important conversation for their worship is “their show” for the LORD. However, the confessional Lutheran worldview is that worship is what God does for us: He gives his gifts to us in Word and the Lord’s supper. We receive and even our response is not our own, it is worked in us by the Holy Spirit, and what we sing is what the LORD has done for sinners such as us. In other words, it’s the LORD’s show.
The Corinthians had food and drink in their public worship (1 Corinthians 11:2-21), but they were selfish about it and used it as a sign of status amongst those gathering (“I can eat and drink better than you can”). Paul encourages them to eat and drink at home, not because food and drink don’t belong in public worship, but rather it’s selfishness that doesn’t belong.
So bring your coffee and confess your sin of selfishness on Sunday, and receive the Lord’s gifts.
Minnesota pastor’s viral post about people drinking coffee in church ignites fiery debate