The Hearth in Hollister: A ministry first and tea shop second

A Branson tea house does much more than just serve delicious beverages—it offers a place to rest, reflect and rejuvenate.

The Hearth Tea Shop and Gathering Place opened in 2025 in Hollister. The Hearth serves over 200 teas—any way you like them—iced, hot, foggy and more. They also offer root beer floats, Italian sodas, spritzers and locally roasted coffees. Amazing charcuterie boards are perfect for lunch or a late-night snack, and a variety of baked goods such as frosted brownies, cranberry orange scones, caramel chocolate cake, carrot cake and a variety of other delicacies round out the menu. Yet, in addition to satisfying your appetite, the Hearth also feeds the soul, in a quaint and peaceful setting, with a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for meaningful conversation and worship.

The Hearth is a nonprofit organization. Alena, the president of the organization, and manager of The Hearth, is an author, a spiritual director and a minister.

"Our ministry was founded in New Mexico to focus on spiritual direction, prayer and hosting retreats," Alena explained. "The Lord laid it on our hearts to work for Him to build houses of prayer and healing many years ago. Around that time, I was serving in Kansas City at a house of prayer, and I got connected to people in the greater Branson area. After going back to New Mexico, building our ministry and traveling all over the country, I came to visit, and Caleb, who would become a partner in business and ministry, introduced me to my now-husband, Corbin. In a short amount of time, the three of us all felt that we were called to do ministry together in this area. This was quite the shock to my plans. I often say that it feels like the Lord picked me up and just dropped me in a new life in the summer of 2023. I moved here when Corbin and I got married that winter, and we hit the ground running, to put down roots in Hollister, have a baby, re-create the farmers market downtown since it moved, and build The Hearth."

According to Alena, Corbin and Caleb had it laid on their hearts years ago to find a place in downtown Hollister where members of the community could slow down, connect and find their spiritual family. Both recalled with fondness late-night conversations from years past at Downing Street venues. As those venues evolved, both men felt the need to create a new space with a similar purpose, and when the 111 St. James Street space opened up, both men knew that this was the time. The Hearth was created thanks to generous donations of many, as a branch of Alena Van Dyke Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization.

"After three months of very late nights, a lot of paint and heavy lifting, we opened in October 2025," Alena explained. "We are honored to serve our local community and those who pass through Branson by providing a place where they can have tea with Jesus. We hope you find the peace of God's presence in our space. We are part prayer room, part tea shop, and we love hosting groups and Bible studies in our space. We continue to operate by faith and are blessed by the donations and support from locals who keep us going."

A typical day at The Hearth will find Caleb hosting conversations around the fire pit, Corbin brewing the area's best tea, and Alena doing all the behind-the-scenes things that make The Hearth run smoothly.

"I do the baking and all the administrative things, provide spiritual direction, leadership, etc. I'm the 'boss lady' and 'mom,'" said Alena. "Caleb and Corbin are the tea masters/baristas. Caleb is the tea expert. If you don't like tea, he's the one who will help you fall in love with tea. Corbin carries more of the bartender vibe and designs most of our signature drinks. We are kind of the perfect team. Caleb is the brain, I am the heart and Corbin is the hands and feet. On the ministry side, you'll find Caleb and Alena doing just that—providing counseling and wisdom, while Corbin refills your teacup. The three of us have worked for God full time for a few years, first separately then together, as the Lord brought us together to do life and ministry side-by-side."

The Hearth was created with the people in mind. One of the goals of Alena, Corbin and Caleb was to create a place where people wanted to linger or lounge, and customers would become regulars and find a home away from home. The menu was designed to encourage that, and to be very affordable. Teas start at just $3, and guests can enjoy house tea or house coffee all day for a nominal price of $10 to $15. One of the specialties at The Hearth is Walkin' on Sunshine, a fruity herbal tea that has become a favorite among their guests. The Hearth offers punch cards where customers receive $5 off any purchase after buying nine drinks. Mondays are Double Punch days, and there are special discount offers on Fridays, as well.

The Hearth is the perfect place for private parties and events. With separate rooms and even an outdoor area, The Hearth is ideal for bridal or baby showers, elopements, Bible studies, book clubs, and a variety of private parties and events. Set up like a home, the venue has a living room and two smaller sitting rooms, as well as a larger room that seats approximately ten people. Charcuterie boards and baked items are available for those private parties, and orders can be placed in advance for pickup, as well. Advance notice is required for large orders and is greatly appreciated for large groups visiting The Hearth, so that they can provide adequate food for everyone.

The Hearth, located at 111 Saint James Street in Downtown Hollister, is open Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 11 p.m. Visit their website, thehearthofhollister.com or find them on Facebook or Instagram under thehearthofhollister.

"The heart behind The Hearth is to be a 'third space.' A safe space away from home, work or church where deep and meaningful conversations can happen," Alena explained.  "We live in a time and culture where meaningful and healthy connection isn't easily accessible and everyone's life feels too busy to slow down. Everyone needs a place where they can reconnect to themselves, others and God and pursue those connections in a healthy way. We invite our customers to slow down, engage with the space, and others and find belonging. It's organic and beautiful to witness. In only a few short months we have watched friends become family. We chose the name The Hearth because it's the old-fashioned community gathering place. You would sit in front of the fireplace where it's warm and welcoming. It brought people together for spiritual conversations, family, great food and was the place where connections were made that last a lifetime."

Alena continued, "We are a ministry first and a tea shop second. We think of The Hearth as God's house, and we just work there and take care of it for Him. We are His servants and serve wholeheartedly as He leads, through hospitality, spiritual guidance, prayer and discipleship."