What is Coffee Talk? Our History. Statement of Beliefs. About the Author.
What is Coffee Talk?
Coffee Talk thrived as a church-based ministry until expanding its borders to include online teaching resources. Now, Coffee Talk is flourishing in many contexts. Women far and wide use its contents to invigorate their faith, increase their knowledge of the Truth, and grow in their relationships with Jesus Christ.
In its traditional setting, Coffee Talk is a relational time, which ministers to women physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It provides a needed respite from the hectic pace of life and time to regain perspective. It is a safe environment for sisters in Christ to be truly transparent, encouraging one another with openness and honesty.
Coffee Talk's small groups are designed to create a level of intimacy which is difficult to establish in most women's Bible studies. Each woman attending Coffee Talk sits at a table of no more than eight women. These tables are hosted by a Coffee Talk group facilitator and become the small groups for that meeting. The women in each group contribute individual insights and applications as they study God's Word together, putting Coffee Talk's theme verse into practice: "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17, NLT).
Surrounded by an inviting atmosphere, which includes coffee and light refreshments, the Coffee Talk women form lasting friendships built on the foundation of God's Truth. These relationships provide accountability, encouragement, and prayerful support as the women "walk hand-in-hand towards godliness."
If you would like more information about our curriculum, existing groups, scheduling retreats, or starting your own Coffee Talk group, please let us help by clicking the "Contact Us" tab above.
Our History
In October 2003, five new friends arrived at a local coffee shop, ready to drink coffee and share their lives. In two short hours, they were challenged by the truth of God’s Word and encouraged in their walk of faith. “Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT). And that they did—twice a month for two hours.
The time they spent together was both invigorating and fulfilling, but as the group began to grow the need for structure became increasingly apparent. It was suggested that the group leaders prepare short devotionals to keep the conversation focused and intentional.
In May 2004, the name “Coffee Talk” and the theme verse, Proverbs 27:17, were adopted. It was then that Coffee Talk became a formal ministry of Calvary Chapel Salt Lake City.
Coffee Talk met in various coffee shops around the valley until they were unable to accommodate a group of its size. Soon after, the Lord began to call the co-leaders of Coffee Talk into other ministries, leaving Julie with the responsibilities of oversight, writing, and teaching.
Coffee Talk continued to meet twice a month at Calvary Chapel for in-depth Bible study until 2012, when the West family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Today, Coffee Talk has taken its place among internet-based ministries. Its Bible studies are utilized by individuals, various church groups, home groups, and parachurch ministries.
Although Coffee Talk has undergone many changes, it has remained true to its original purpose: to build sharpening friendships on the foundation of God’s Truth. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Wherever a Coffee Talk group gathers, an atmosphere of accountability, encouragement, and prayerful support is cultivated between women. The individual is challenged to grow deeper in her relationship with Jesus Christ: to live a life of great faith and no compromise.
Second Timothy 3:16 and Hebrews 4:12 continue to be upheld in every lesson: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.” “For the Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for who we really are” (NLT).
Julie continues to teach God's Word at conferences and retreats, in addition to weekly Bible studies at her home church, Calvary Chapel Alpharetta.
Statement of Beliefs
We believe that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6, NKJV).
We believe that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NKJV).
We believe that "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8, NKJV).
We believe that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, NKJV).
We believe that "we are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we can all be saved in this same way, no matter who we are and what we have done" (Romans 3:22, NLT).
We believe that "salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:9, NLT).
We believe God "is long-suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV).
We believe that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV). "For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV).
We believe that "we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).
We believe we are to strive to "live holy and godly lives as [we] look forward to the day of God" (2 Peter 3:11-12, NIV).
About the Author
Born into a Christian family in Dallas, Texas, God's hand was at work in Julie's life from the beginning. While at summer camp, Julie couldn't resist her Savior's call, and at age nine, she surrendered her life, and her heart to his leading.
Two years later, after moving to Utah, insecurity began to take hold. Over time, her strong convictions began to weaken. As a teenager, Julie struggled to reconcile the “ways of the world” with her Christian faith. Her heart grew distant, and the shame she felt over her actions widened the chasm.
After marrying the love of her life and discovering the undeserved gift of her first child, Julie’s heart returned with passion to her Savior. She finally understood her Father’s abundant love, and she fell deeply in love with Him. To this day, Julie praises God for all that she experienced during the darkest moments of her life.
After giving birth to twins, Julie found herself longing for fellowship with other women who shared her love for Christ. Coffee Talk began as an informal Bible study with friends at various coffee shops around the city. As the group steadily grew, the need for structure became apparent. With little know-how, Julie moved out in faith and began teaching and writing small group studies for women. Julie believes that her calling is to teach Biblical holiness to a wayward generation. "I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives" (Titus 1:1, NLT).
In 2012, the West family answered God's invitation to leave their familiar home in Salt Lake City, Utah, to "go out" to a land that He would show them (Genesis 12:1; Hebrews 11:8). Today, they are settled north of Atlanta, Georgia, where Julie's husband is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Alpharetta and Julie is teaching God's Word with passion.
As a wife, mother, daughter, and friend, Julie desires to live out the truths she teaches. God’s Word challenges her to live a life of great faith and no compromise, which she is compelled to share with others. Julie’s youthful enthusiasm and her love for Jesus, is seen in her speaking and writing. Her greatest desire is to see all women professing faith in Jesus Christ, intimately devoted to and passionately serving Him.