The Rev. Ron Vietti imagined a place where Christians could go to feel relaxed without the pressures of a church, escape the negative influences of the outside world and get a good sandwich. But for years his dream never became a reality.
That was until three years ago when the Valley Bible Fellowship’s senior pastor’s idea for such a cafe started to become realized. A building was found downtown. After two months of fund-raising, the church purchased the building to open Station 3:16
Located on 18th and O streets, Station 3:16 offers a friendly environment where anyone can see local bands every Friday night, be part of worship services and buy food and coffee at cheap enough prices to please the typical college student.
The vision behind it was to create a place that was a source of entertainment for 18 to 25 years. According to Pastor Jim Crews, executive director of Station 3:16, 70 percent of all high school youths who graduate stop attending church regularly, and Station 3:16 can be used to keep people plugged into their churches.
The cafe is now funded by 30 churches.
“It’s a positive atmosphere. Everyone’s welcome here, everyone is open, and no one gets looked at funny,” said Leah Diffenbaugh, who visits the cafe at least once a week.
The cafe offers concerts, worship services, affordable food and open mic night.
Concerts are held every Friday night. The bands range from local bands like Crimson Stained Nails, to more well-known bands in Christian circles like Doggwood or Squad 5-0.
“It’s much safer, there’s no alcohol or drugs. We profess the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Jake Maggard, who leads prayer and introduces the bands on Friday night.
According to Maggard, the concerts, like the worship services, do a lot of good for the lives of visitors. He said that one night, one person accepted Christianity, and 15 people who had walked away from their faith returned.
An open mic night is offered on Sundays. Visitors are welcome to do anything from reading their own poetry, to “yodel for God,” as Crews puts it.
There’s also plans in the works for a “Sumo Sunday,” to be held every third Sunday of the month, where visitors will be welcomed to put on Sumo suits and face others in matches.
The cafe also attracts young people for other reasons.
“I don’t want to give this the stigma of being a hook-up spot'” said Crews. “But Station 3:16 is a good place to meet members of the opposite sex of the same faith. In fact I know a couple who met at Station 3:16, and I think they’re getting married soon.”
Station 3:16 is open daily to the public.
“In an environment like this, you can tell God’s here,” says Diffenbaugh.