Kansas City CBMC

CBMC was founded in Chicago in 1930 as an evangelistic organization. Over the years CBMC has been involved in a variety of areas of ministry from prison ministry to ministry to servicemen to Future Farmers of America. In 1973 the shift was made to concentrate on workplace ministry, particularly as a ministry to men in the marketplace.

The ministry to businessmen had been primarily event/meeting focused featuring weekly Bible Study/prayer meetings, monthly outreach meetings, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfasts, conferences, and retreats. But by the mid 1990’s had it become obvious that the culture was changing and that the organization needed to become more community/relationship based. This change in approach called for a totally new way of relating to people. The old method of “come and hear” needed to be replaced with “be a part of us.”

In 1996, Jim Mathis was brought on staff to facilitate this change of direction.

Leaders of Kansas City CBMC began to pray about a place where people of all social backgrounds and ages would feel comfortable. A place where good music, good friends, and good conversation would abound and the love of Christ would be evident.

In September of 2001, Homer’s Coffee House was opened at the corner of 80 th & Metcalf in Downtown Overland Park, KS. Homer’s is named after long-time KC CBMC leader Homer Anderson.

Kansas City CBMC now has four areas of ministry:

One-on-one discipleship and mentoring
Small Groups (Bible studies and prayer groups)
Special Events
Homer’s Coffee House

Kansas City CBMC, Inc is a not-for profit 501 (c)3 organization incorporated in the State of Kansas.

We are affilliated with CBMC USA based in Chattanooga, TN.

Jim Mathis to leave CBMC staff.

In 1996 I left a successful business and joined the staff of CBMC as Metro Director in Kansas City. I considered it a clear calling from God and a bold move. Some of my friends understood and were very supportive, others were not. The first thing that I noticed was that business associates who were always anxious to hear from me quit returning my phone calls.

The next few years were a very difficult time as old relationships were lost and new ones were few and far between. During this time support and direction from CBMC dissolved as the Area Director positions were eliminated and my mentor, Charlie Williams, was let go.

Ted Hubbard, the British attorney who served as staff advisor, advised me to do nothing but listen and plan for five years. That was excellent advice. We began to piece together a vision of a ministry based on relationships, authenticity, and caring. I began to have more opportunities to be a disciple maker, helping people grow in their relationship with Christ.

When long-time CBMC member and leader, Homer Anderson died, a pastor friend put his arm and my shoulder and said, “It looks like the mantle has passed to you.” I knew then that it was time to do something important.

It had become apparent by this time that we needed a place of our own to do ministry. Since much of our ministry took place in coffeehouses and restaurants, having our own coffeehouse was a natural extension. Also, we knew from research that music was extremely important to reaching people under 35. A coffeehouse would give us an opportunity to become involve in music ministry in a big way.

In September of 2001 Homer’s Coffee House was born named after my old friend Homer Anderson. Since then Homer’s has become the heart of the Christian community in our area and one of the most respected Christian music venues in the United States.

Homer’s is a center for one-on-one discipleship with hundreds of one-on-one and small group studies meeting at Homer’s each week. Thousands of lives have been changed as a result.

We in CBMC are fortunate to have an organization that allows innovation from the grassroots. We have been allowed to proceed on bold new initiatives without interference. My thirty years as a CBMC member and twelve years on staff have had a huge impact on my spiritual life. The people I have met and the relationships I have built, both locally and across the country, are priceless.

by Jim Mathis

Jim's last day with CBMC was June 30, 2008
he can be contacted at: Jim@MathisPhoto.net