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Show Notes
What if belonging could come in a bottle? That’s the promise of Coop’s Soup, which chef and pioneer Cristin Cooper started after her own experience of loneliness.
In this conversation, Heather and Cristin discuss the journey of leaving her church job and explore building community through sharing a bowl of soup. This episode will leave you hungry for food, friends, and a deeper experience of God’s mission.
Cristin Cooper is owner of Coop’s Soups and is a licensed local pastor in the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, focusing on Fresh Expressions. Coop’s Soups is soup to share and an awesome way to make friends and fight off loneliness. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary and lives in Brookeville, MD with her husband, two year-old daughter, and baby boy on the way.
Website: Coopssoups.com
Instagram: @Coopssoupstoshare
Email: Coopssoupstoshare@gmail.com
In season 5 of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we’re exploring the loneliness epidemic that is sweeping across North America and learning how new kinds of Christian community can help.
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Interview Summary
“In our journey toward making friends and fighting off loneliness, our label should include a conversation starter to invite deeper conversation.” – Cristin Cooper
Soup—more than just a meal, it’s a powerful tool for community building and a remedy for loneliness. On this episode of the Fresh Expressions Podcast, Cristin Cooper, a pastor and innovative community builder, shares her unique approach to combating the loneliness epidemic through culinary means. Based in Brookville, Maryland, Cristin has transformed her passion for making soup into a vibrant ministry called Coop’s Soups. Her story is not just about food, but about creating meaningful connections in surprising places, demonstrating faith in action, and addressing a pervasive social issue with creativity and compassion.
A Community Soup Ministry
Cristin’s journey began with a personal revelation during a lonely period at the end of 2017. She noticed that despite an active church life and social circles, there was a lack of deep, meaningful connections. This realization sparked a transformative idea: using soup as a medium to build genuine relationships within her neighborhood.
“So much of this came out of my own loneliness experience.” – Cristin Cooper
Kristen saw the universal appeal of soup as a comfort food that could bring people together, providing warmth not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
Implementation & Growth
The concept quickly took shape with “Coop’s Soups,” a ministry that not only feeds the body but also nourishes the soul. Kristen started hosting soup dinners, inviting neighbors to slow down and engage in meaningful conversations. This initiative wasn’t just about sharing a meal; it was about creating a space where people could feel seen and heard. Over time, these gatherings grew in number and significance, fostering a sense of community and helping individuals feel more connected and less isolated. “We’re there every Sunday for eight months of the year, May through December,” she adds, detailing the regularity and commitment of her efforts.
This initiative wasn’t just about sharing a meal; it was about creating a space where people could feel seen and heard.
Beyond A Soup Ministry
The success of these small gatherings led to the idea being embraced at a local farmers market, where Cristin’s soups became a hit. This exposure provided an opportunity to extend the ministry’s reach, impacting a broader audience and reinforcing the community’s fabric through shared experiences and mutual support. “It’s on Sunday morning. So we’re there every Sunday,” Kristen mentions, highlighting the consistency and visibility of her presence at the market. The farmers market became a pivotal point for the ministry, turning it from a small neighborhood project into a community-wide initiative that brought diverse groups of people together for a common purpose.
“Soup to share as an awesome way to make friends and fight off loneliness.” – Cristin Cooper
Cristin Cooper’s story is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in ministry and the profound impact of simple acts of kindness. By turning her soup into a symbol of community and care, she has addressed the critical issue of loneliness in a tangible and delicious way.
As listeners and readers, we are invited to consider how we might use our passions and talents to make a difference in our communities. Whether it’s food, art, or another avenue, the potential to transform our environments through focused, compassionate action is immense.
Reflection Questions
- How can you use your unique talents or hobbies to contribute to your community?
- What does building community look like in your context?
- Have you experienced loneliness, and how have you responded to it?
- What are some simple acts of kindness that you can start doing today?
- How important is it to know your neighbors in today’s world?
- What role does food play in bringing people together in your culture?
- How can churches or community groups better address the loneliness epidemic?
- What does “neighboring” mean to you, and how can you practice it more effectively?
- Can you think of a time when a small act made a big difference in your life or someone else’s?
- What are some barriers to building community in your area, and how can they be overcome?
