I Like Beer

June 17, 2003

A bar just opened in my hometown that is run by Christians, serves “Christian” beer, and is intentionally aimed at being a place to reach non-christians.

“We are not trying to cheapen the Gospel. We’re just trying to give a different place for it to be found,” said barkeep Peter Winkle, a former pastor in the Christian Reformed Church who resigned last year from LaGrave Avenue CRC.
Dismissing critics who say Graces is a naive idea that will only fuel addictions, some on-tap pastors say somebody has to minister less to the flock and more to the wandering.

I love that first line, and totally agree that the gospel should be “found” in a different place than just Christian circles. Too often, our Christian institutions become like spiritual country clubs. We are too inwardly focused most of the time going directly against Jesus’s commands to make disciples of all nations. But I’m not sure if that’s the basis for their mission.

“If the idea is to provide some kind of camaraderie and fellowship over beer and wine in a moderate manner and the intent is to discuss Scripture, I don’t see that that’s a problem,” said the Rev. James VanderSchaaf, a CRC minister who works in the nonprofit sector.
Still, “there could be some pitfalls with the whole process. It could take on a life of its own that’s different than the owner intends.”

I agree. But, overall, I’m still struggling with feelings that lean towards the idea that as Christians, they could be feeding the bad habits of some people. What do you think?

Booze profits go to nonprofit agencies, this week for medical aid to Cuba. Clerics and others with strong religious convictions are available to dispense spiritual advice with the day’s special.

Posted by pablohart on June 17, 2003 10:12 AM

Comments

Something about it does strike me as odd. It is not however the idea that a Christian could be feeding bad habits. I guess I'd rather see a bar run by people who are more sensitive to the problem of alcoholism than not. I think I would rather stand in opposition to the idea that a bar is a place to get drunk by example rather than rhetoric.

And yet I still remain a little apprehensive about the whole concept. I'm just not sure how I would feel as a non-christian about a place who's sole purpose is my conversion. Maybe that's why it feels askew, maybe not. I'm really not sure.

Posted by Samuel at June 17, 2003 6:43 PM

Very iteresting idea. I can see many points both for and against. In this day and age where so many new ideas are put forward to bring people to specific faiths, it will be interesting to see how things move forward. While this certainly may fill a nitch, I do see where concern might be warranted around abuse as an issue. It would be interesting to check out - seeing how we all can enjoy each other's company over a beer or two. Conversation certainly would be stimulating. You have to wonder if it would be even more stimulating after a beer or two...

Posted by Simon at June 24, 2003 11:48 AM

well, i can see all the points against it... why, i once would have been against it. however, i think it's a great idea. Who would you rather be in charge of the bar? A non christian who doesn't care if you get so trashed you can't walk straight? or a christian who is more interested in your soul and is ready to say no to you in order to look out for your best?

We have to remember that Christ went INTO the bars and sinful world to save sinners. That's where he sent us. Not once do we find christ encouraging us to invite friends to church... in stead, he said, "Go. Make Desciples. Teach them."

The bar is a great idea. I would LOVE to open one here in the charlotte area. I'd absolutely serve Yuengling and New Castle and Guiness. Even Martin Luther once said, "it is good to drink a beer and discuss the things of God."

there is no issue with drinking or speaking of christ when drinking a beer. The issue is not bringing people in who have an alcohol abuse problem.

its a tricky subject, caution is needed. but it won't stop me from going to a bar and talking about christ to others.

Posted by pete Goode at July 3, 2005 1:58 AM

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