The term ‘Third Place’ was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg and appeared in his book ‘The Great Good Place’. He describes the first place in society as home, the second place as work, and the third places/spaces as those environments where people meet to develop friendship, discuss issues and relax – coffee shops, gyms, pubs, sports clubs, nightclubs, and social groups etc. Third spaces are a vital factor in the quest for community. At Third Space Ministries we like to be in these areas of the leisure industry, places where people are least likely to expect a God encounter, places of spiritual seeking, and places where the church hasn’t traditionally been present and intentional.
We facilitate this through chaplaincy work, and enabling team outreach, teaching and training, and working in partnership with the local church.