Welcome to Launch Day!

A few weeks back I was at a Starbucks preparing for a meeting that was about to start. As I approached the counter, a friendly barista named Susie took my order. Susie was very cheerful and kind. She asked about my day and all the fun small talk began.

I asked, “How is your day going?

Susie: "My day is going great. Today is launch day.”

Me: “Launch day, what is that?”

Susie: “Today we launch all of our fall flavors like pumpkin spice and pumpkin loaf.”

Me: “Aren’t we still in August?”

Susie: “Yeah, we started launch day earlier this year because people love these flavors and wanted them back sooner than later.”

Welcome to launch day at Starbucks! Where everything smells like pumpkin and you meet very nice people.

As I drove away from that interaction, I began to wonder about the important components to create a successful fall Starbucks launch day. I came up with the following ideas:

It takes leadership. Somebody is steering the boat; casting a vision for the importance of launch day and sharing all of the necessary details to execute the plan.

It takes unity. Everyone needs to be on the same page knowing exactly how to promote the items and what is available.

It takes communication. Lots of moving parts and communication systems need to be in place in order for the launch day to be successful.

It takes kindness. The employees need to be cheerful and helpful as they interact with the people they serve. No one likes a grumpy barista.

It takes excitement. Susie was excited about the day and she got me excited about pumpkins and the color orange.

It takes buy-in. You cannot work at Starbucks and decide to not participate in launch day. Everyone is involved in making launch day a huge success.

Can I tell you a little secret? If you are a Jesus follower like me, you are a part of the greatest launch day on the planet.

Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his disciples some very important launch day info:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-19

This launch was not about pumpkins and fun coffee drinks, but it had similar ideas that we can all get behind. This launch was about the mission of Jesus moving forward in people just like you and me. Jesus chose very ordinary people to launch his mission of hope and love to the world.

The launch of Jesus’ mission to the world takes leadership. If you are going to follow Jesus Christ and tell others about him, then you will need to be willing to yield to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. You will daily need to take up your cross and follow hard after Jesus.

The launch of Jesus’ mission takes unity. If the love of Jesus brings division to the body of Christ and those around it, then that is not the mission God wanted to launch. The mission of Jesus brings unity, hope, and love for humanity. Without love, we are just very loud and annoying.

The launch of Jesus’ mission takes communication. I know lots of Christ followers who believe their witness is only in the example they live to those around them. I believe that is one way to be a part of launch day. However, launch day always requires words. We must speak truth in love. We must tell others about the love of Jesus Christ. The gospel is a gospel of both words and action.

The launch of Jesus’ mission requires kindness. Ever met a follower of Jesus Christ that is very angry and mean? Ever unfriend them? Exactly. When I get angry at others, I miss my opportunity to show off the love of Jesus for all of humanity.

The launch of Jesus’ mission should trigger excitement. The Creator of this universe loves you deeply, cares for you, made you in his image and wants to use you. Let this cause you to wake you up with excitement, joy, and purpose to be a part of his mission.

The launch of Jesus’ mission takes buy-in. The mission is too important for anyone to feel left out or forgotten. We need every Jesus follower to be a part of launch day. You cannot go rogue. You cannot go silent. You need others' support and encouragement.

As followers of Jesus, today and every day is launch day!

Make it grand. Make it lovely. Make it hopeful. Make it real. Wake up each day, excited to be on mission and ready to share Jesus’ love and truth (and maybe a pumpkin-spiced latte :-)) with whoever he places in your path.