The Cracked Mug
Wesleyan Elevated in Every Sip
At Wesleyan Christian Academy, our goal has always been to provide students with an education that is more than academics alone. We are called to partner with families to equip students to serve Christ and influence the world for God’s glory. That mission is lived out daily through our five institutional pillars: providing Academic Distinction, an established biblical foundation, a biblical view of Stewardship, creating Christian Community, and engaging in Servant Leadership. Wesleyan’s new, student-led coffee shop, The Cracked Mug, embodies these pillars in exciting and innovative ways.
This is more than a coffee shop. Started by Mr. Rob Moore’s high school Economics class, The Cracked Mug is a hands-on learning environment, a gathering place for our community, and a training ground for the next generation of ethical, Christ-centered business leaders. In every sense, it is Wesleyan Elevated!
Pouring Into Students, Powered by Wesleyan’s Five Pillars
Providing Academic Distinction
In the classroom, students learn by reading, listening, and completing assignments. However, true mastery happens when students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The Cracked Mug has been designed to provide exactly that opportunity.
From shaping the business model to managing inventory, pricing, and customer service, Wesleyan students are experiencing the complexities of business firsthand. One of the best examples is Wesleyan senior Lexi Wheeler, who suggested making homemade syrup for the shop. What started as an idea became a reality when she brought her syrup to a taste test, where it outperformed other syrup options. Today, The Cracked Mug proudly serves Lexi’s syrup, and she is independently refining her four-ingredient recipe to improve taste without adding artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives. She is learning through research, experimentation, perseverance, and success… all hallmarks of Wesleyan’s dedication to academic distinction.
Establishing Biblical Foundation
The Cracked Mug is not just about excellent coffee. Its theme verse, Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” reminds us that we are all “cracked mugs,” broken yet redeemed through Christ. Every cup of coffee and every interaction in this space is rooted in that Biblical truth.
The mission of The Cracked Mug states it clearly: “to cultivate a real-world learning environment where students create as entrepreneurs, craft excellent coffee, build an authentic community, and serve others with integrity as we steward our resources to build the gospel and entrepreneurial community, modeling the first Creator and Entrepreneur.”
The intentional biblical foundation of this experience elevates this coffee venture beyond mere profit. It is a tangible reminder to our students that business excellence is one of the many ways we can honor the Lord.
Biblical View of Stewardship
Notably, 80% of the startup capital came from two 2021 Wesleyan graduates, Matt Jordan, and Chase McGee. Both entrepreneurs desire to invest in the next generation of business leaders. They assisted in interviewing the “C-suite” members of the shop, and they will serve as guest speakers about the entrepreneurial mindset in class. Their gift is extraordinary because of their generosity and because they have chosen not to be repaid. Instead, they have asked that the funds be “loaned” forward to bless others through scholarships or future entrepreneurial ventures.
Their example teaches our students that stewardship is not just about managing money wisely but also about using God’s blessings to serve others. This same principle is reflected in the contribution of another Wesleyan alum, Seth Caldwell, who supplies The Cracked Mug with fresh lemonade from his company, S&P Lemonade. His partnership adds a refreshing touch to the shop while demonstrating how alumni can invest their talents and resources into the Wesleyan community.
This is why 10–20% of the coffee shop’s net profits will be used toward kingdom work, such as mission trips, missionary support, disaster relief, and other service opportunities. Every decision in The Cracked Mug has been shaped with this principle in mind, reminding us that we are stewards of both financial and spiritual resources.
Creating Christian Community
The coffee shop is more than a business. It is a place to belong. The high school Entrepreneurship class envisions early morning Bible studies, students gathering for group projects, and friends meeting to encourage one another. By creating an environment where students and faculty connect beyond the classroom, The Cracked Mug strengthens the bonds of our Wesleyan community.
And yes, there is a practical blessing too: our students will no longer be late to class because they were waiting in a long Starbucks line! Instead, they will enjoy quality coffee crafted right here, in the heart of their school, surrounded by the people who know and support them best.
Servant Leadership
Even with 11 student managers, our Wesleyan kids understand that leadership is not about titles but service. The Cracked Mug allows our students to lead teams, make decisions, and serve customers with excellence and humility. Our managers and student baristas are learning that leadership requires responsibility, integrity, and the willingness to put others first. By managing this business, students are being trained as servant leaders who understand that their gifts and talents are not meant to glorify themselves but to glorify God.
The mantra of The Cracked Mug is “Brew Love. Share Life.” One of their classroom assignments was to devise concrete ways to live this out. Examples such as giving students a free drink on their birthday and creating a sticky note board for customers to write positive messages while their drink is being prepared have been proposed. However, the students decided to order “free drink” cards. The students can give the card to a struggling student, teacher, or employee at Wesleyan. The recipient will then write their name and a prayer request on the card, receive their complimentary drink, and then the students will pray for that person the next day in class.
Wesleyan Elevated
The Cracked Mug symbolizes Wesleyan Christian Academy, elevated academically and spiritually. We are a college-preparatory, biblically based school where education is not confined to the classroom but expanded through real-world experiences rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ. Every sip of coffee represents more than a beverage; it is a testimony to our dedication to maintaining a biblical foundation, pursuing academic distinction, practicing wise stewardship, creating an authentic Christian community, and engaging in Christ-like Leadership.
In this space, students are learning to dream big, to steward resources faithfully, and to serve others well. They are discovering that business excellence is not separate from their walk with Christ but is another way to reflect His image as a creative creator and influence the world for His glory. The Cracked Mug isn’t just brewing coffee. It’s cultivating leaders. It’s strengthening the community. It’s Wesleyan Elevated.
I wanted to work at The Cracked Mug because it’s more than just serving coffee. This is a ministry and a business. Every shift I work is another chance to learn more and serve others.
Chloe Lucas, WCA Senior
Stop By Sometime
The Cracked Mug would love to serve up your next cup of coffee. Look at our menu above and grab your next cup of Joe during our regular business hours.
Monday – Friday
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
12:50 PM to 1:30 PM
3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Or follow us on The ‘GRAM
@crackedmug.coffee