Churches Use Beer To Draw Attendees
And here you always assumed Jesus was a wine guy! It’s true — a few churches are tapping into a new way to bring in a young flock:
In a religious conundrum? Just ask yourself: What Would Jesus Brew?
A growing number of churches across the country have taken to serving beers and ales as a means of attracting younger members. Other congregations ditch the sacred space entirely and flock to the local pub, preferring neither water nor wine, but perhaps a nice IPA.
In a fascinating look into modern Christian culture in America, NPR’s The Salt blog examines the strange brew of religion and alcohol — and how it’s attracting unexpected people to Christianity.
In Fort Worth, Texas, Church-in-a-Pub gets churchgoers in the spirit, so to speak. Worship leaders hold communion at the bar and even sing hymns and songs of praise. Phil Heinze, who is part of Calvary Lutheran Church’s bold new initiative, said that the idea is to spark curiosity in those around.
“I’m interested in having people have significant relationships around Jesus,” he told NPR. “And if it turns out to be craft beer, fine.”
A parish in Portland, Ore., does much the same. First Christian Church holds an event called “Beer & Hymns” once a month, attracting about 100 swilling and singing young people.
