Looking at the gleaming chrome, soaring windows and mood lighting, most people strolling Leichhardt's busy Norton Street would be unaware they were looking at one of the city's latest gospel ventures.
Nestled between the historic All Souls' Anglican Church and rectory, the café is a Trojan Horse for ministry developed by the parishioners who meet there several times a week.
"Few people know there is life behind our thick church walls," says Leichhardt rector, the Rev Tim Foster.
"We wanted to make our church community more visible while developing a contemporary venue for evangelism."
The modern décor and design are clearly discernable along one of the city's trendiest places to eat, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and warm lighting.
A state-of-the-art play area aims to provide a safe environment for children while parents relax and sip restaurant quality coffee.
"It's an ideal space for a range of bridge-building and evangelistic events with "street appeal' and great exposure," Mr Foster says.
And the café is already attracting the eyes of the suburb's social clientele.
"We've already had people pop in, asking when this restaurant will be open for business," Mr Foster says.
"We're planning regular cinema-dialogues, poetry festivals, spiritual dialogues and an evangelistic dinner series. A recent jewellery-making night has already demonstrated the café's potential."
The café will be opened on Sunday 7 August by the Bishop of South Sydney Robert Forsyth.
