Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Photos by Ryan McGill and Cooper Kirkpatrick
Amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of community, Joey Clark wears many hats – from coffee craftsman to devoted pastor. His journey, a blend of faith, resilience, and commitment, unfolds like the rich flavors of a perfectly crafted cup of coffee on a cold winter day.
Born and raised in Buford, Georgia, Joey’s early years were steeped in the traditions of faith, yet his path was far from conventional. “My life frankly fell apart after I got saved at age 12,” he reflects. “Every year of my teenage life, I had someone close to me pass away.” These trials forged a quest for truth, leading Joey on a spiritual journey marked by doubt, questioning, and, ultimately, steadfast faith in the face of adversity.
This unwavering faith propelled Joey and his wife Nancy to embark on their entrepreneurial venture – The Blend Coffee House. Founded on the ethos of “Come Together,” The Blend transcends mere coffee; it’s a sanctuary of community, acceptance, and shared stories. In three locations – Sumiton, Dora, and Jasper – with its cozy ambiance and inviting aromas, The Blend welcomes all who seek connection and companionship.
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” says Joey. “We lead with love and community, and when they ask about our motivation, that’s when we share the message of Christ.”
Joey’s commitment to fostering genuine connections extends beyond the coffee shop’s walls and into his role as a Young Adults Pastor at Sumiton Church of God. Drawing from his own journey of questioning and discovery, he seeks to guide others towards truth and understanding.
“The best way to settle your worldview is to understand your bias and still pursue truth despite it,” he says. “For me, faith isn’t blind; it’s grounded in truth and personal conviction.”
Yet, Joey’s path has been riddled with challenges – from the loss of his father at a young age to a debilitating diagnosis of Chiari Malformation in his early twenties. The journey from diagnosis to recovery was fraught with uncertainty and pain, but Joey’s resilience and unwavering faith saw him through the darkest of times.
Amidst adversities that still arise in life, Joey’s resilience shines through, buoyed by his faith and the support of his family. “My wife Nancy is the reason I am able to do anything,” he shares with gratitude. “She is a soft place for me to land every day, emotionally.”
The couple share a daughter, 13-year-old Cailynn, who Joey describes as “better than she knows” and a bright, compassionate soul who enriches the lives of those around her.
From the depths of doubt to the heights of steadfast conviction, Joey finds solace in the simplicity of human connection – whether through a game of chess, cherished moments with his family, or heartfelt conversations over a cup of coffee. “Humans are God’s most prized creation,” he muses. “And you can learn a lot about God just by connecting with people.”
As Joey Clark continues to pour his heart into both The Blend and his ministry, he remains firm in his commitment to sharing truth and fostering unity, understanding, and genuine human connection – one cup of coffee at a time. WL
Editor’s Note: Thank you to Cooper Kirkpatrick for assisting with the interview for this article!
