Amy Welker, known as local author Amy Kvell, has recently started a non-profit coffeehouse with her husband, Jason. They were both youth pastors at First Baptist Church in Farmington. Amy founded Small Hinges Ministries, a community that aims to empower women and teens.
“The ministry was based on Amy’s book, ‘Small Hinges Move Big Doors’,” said Jason Welker. “We thought of starting a coffeehouse because hospitality is how you reach more.”
Although Amy and Jason enjoy their jobs as youth pastors, they thought it was time for something more.
“Our youth is going to be alongside us,” explained Amy Welker. “We are excited to volunteer with our students; they have big hearts. We wanted to give them a house, or a safe place to meet and serve the community.”
The Big Door Coffeehouse does not limit itself to faith-based clients. Customers of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
“If you are a faith-based person, you can come to a bible study and try different things in the community,” said Amy Welker. “If you’re not, our theme is ‘Better Together One Cup At A Time.’ Our goal is just to give the community a safe place to land.”
At the Big Door Coffeehouse, The Welker’s hope to foster a loving atmosphere and reach out to more community members.
“It is a place where people can come together and feel important,” Jason Welker said. “People deserve to feel loved, seen, and included. We want to be a part of people’s lives.”
Big Door Coffeehouse is unlike any other as it proudly “partnered with the community.” Teleo, a coffee shop located in Kirkwood, Missouri, is where the company’s coffee beans are sourced. Teleo’s coffee beans captured the attention of The Welker’s because they are “straight from farm to table.”
“We have also partnered with a woman-owned business in St. Louis (Big Heart Tea Co.) for our tea,” said Amy Welker. “All of our tea options represent small businesses within our state. Our honey also comes from a farm in the Farmington area called Foxy Farms.”
The Big Door Coffeehouse is a hand-crafted establishment, making homemade syrups and more. They also provide gluten and dairy-free options for their customers.
“For our customers with gluten and dairy allergies, we provide many products like homemade cookie-dough balls and pastries for them to enjoy,” Amy Welker explained.
The coffeehouse offers decaf coffee options which sets them apart from several other coffee establishments in the area. They also offer limited coffee sizes to avoid confusion for customers.
“We are going to be 16 ounces only,” said Jason Welker. “16 ounces hot and 16 ounces cold. That’s better for many customers because there’s not an obnoxious amount of options.”
The Big Door Coffee House building is owned by The Giving Tree in Desloge, Missouri. Similar to the coffeehouse, the proceeds from their products help give back to the community.
“Everything you buy helps feed children, build wells, and so many other things that help the greater community,” Amy Welker said. “We are conscientious about who we partner with. There has to be a purpose behind what they are doing, and it has to benefit the community.”
The Welker’s have several long-term goals for the coffeehouse such as expanding the ministry and hosting a conference in 2025 that includes a service component.
“We’d love to have either a men’s or co-ed conference where people can spend a day learning about how serving helps others and then go out and help the community,” said Jason Welker.
Amy and Jason Welker will be hosting a men’s conference, the date of which is to be determined. They plan to incorporate Bible study, running clubs, walking clubs, and possibly a building to host youth groups within their coffeehouse community.
Small Hinges Ministries is hosting a teen girl’s conference on Jan. 18, 2024. Those interested are encouraged to register on the website smallhingesministries.org.
The Big Door Coffeehouse will conduct its grand opening on Nov. 21-23 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers who wear their Big Door Coffeehouse shirts will receive a discount. Check out Big Door Coffeehouse on Facebook for information on upcoming events.
