Christians make terrible tippers at restaurants. Especially when they leave fake money evangelism tracts.
It’s when I read stories like this that I am glad tipping at restaurants is not part of Australian culture. And I don’t have a ‘Jesus Fish’ for the same reason. Being a public delinquent in your car is bad enough – without telling everybody that the guy who just cut them off or glared/honked at them is a Christian.
In Justin Taylor’s post he shares some “tips” for how restaurant visitors can provide a positive Christian interaction… how do you reckon these would go down in Australia…
1. Be friendly. Tell them you will be praying before your meal, Ask if you can pray for them. If body language, tone of voice and time permits, ask if there is anything specific.
2. Pray for them.
3. Leave a good tip.
Comments
I think it's good to tip as part of a more general desire to be a blessing to the businesses around you.
We've decided to choose a handful of cafés and restaurants where we've become regulars, so that we can get to know the owners and other regulars. When you're a regular, tipping is noticeable (and, I assume, appreciated).
After all, what else is money for?
Of course it had to be Regan on the fake money!
Of course it had to be Regan on the fake money!
I don't think tipping will ever have the same effect on waitstaff in Australia as it does in America. In America, often tips are the only take-home pay a waiter might have because his pay is so low it covers his tax and that's about it. Rip him off when it comes to tips and it has a more significant impact on him than not tipping an Australian waiter – not to mention my understanding is that takeaway food is much cheaper in the US too.