Three coffee houses will take place next week as part of ACU’s annual Summit.

They will meet Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Brown Library Commons.

Coffee houses are interactive discussions centered around topics involving faith and theology.

Dr. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events, said coffee houses are intended to create a neutral space to talk about areas where faith and culture overlap.

The first coffee house, “Beyond the Barricade: Exploring the Theology of ‘Les Miserables,'” will take place Sunday night and will be led by Dr. Richard Beck, professor of psychology. The conversation will focus on the theology found in the classic musical and the film.

Monday night’s coffee house will be led by Dr. Steven Moore, assistant professor of English. The conversation, “On the Edge: Protest Prose and Poetry,” and will feature prose and poetry from different writers addressing social issues and today’s controversies. During the session, the audience will have a chance to share their thoughts and questions.

The final coffee house will take place Tuesday night and will be led by Jerry Hendrix, founder of Monks Coffee Shop. The conversation is titled “The Gospel According to Monks Coffee Shop: Nurturing Faith Through Serving Coffee.” Hendrix will discuss his ministry in the Abilene mission field.

Bryce said one of the purposes of the coffee houses is to get college students and church leaders involved in the same conversation.

“I think we have a lot to learn from all age groups,” he said.