Do Beer & the Bible Mix?

The Journey, a 1,300 member congregation in St. Louis says "yes,"  St. Louis Post-Dispatch story.  Each week the church holds a gathering at Schlafly Bottleworks where very unspiritual topics are discussed, at least in the traditional understanding of spiritual.  Obviously, The Journey's approach is working since it's grown from 30 original members in 2002 to its present size, mostly made up of 20 & 30 somethings.  Still, there are some who question their methods.

Now I'm not advocating an unrestrained life, but why is it the church get so hung up on alcohol?  Of course, there are those who abuse alcohol and that must be adamantly condemned, which the scriptures do.  On the other hand, if alcohol is such a bad thing, why was Jesus first miracle changing water into wine?  Wine throughout the Old Testament was a symbol of God's blessings and of His abundance.

In a way, this debate reminds me of the present attitude toward touching in the church.  Because some touch is bad and again must be adamantly condemned, there are those who would have us think that all touch is bad.  Once again, the scriptures give us a broader point of view.  The Bible condemns taking advantage of another person physically, while at the same time, instructing us to greet one another with a holy kiss.  The operative word here is "holy."  Holy touch isn't a self-gratifying action.  It is a physical expression of Christ-like love.

I'm getting a little too far from my original thought.  In the end, the question that arises from the success of The Journey is this: How far from traditional church values should a congregation be willing to go to spread the good news of Jesus Christ?

HT: Steve Beard

Comments

[David]

A couple of blogs elsewhere that could lend some light to your question, though it depends on what you mean by traditional values.
It is, of course, an issue for every congregation.
the links:

http://questingparson.org/
post.asp?p=117

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2007/02/
church-home-for-homeless.html

Peace,
DC

[Greg Hazelrig]

I think the mainline churches have been afraid of changing any because they would vary from these values. But in my opinion there is the ultimate Truth that can never be changed. This is the Truth of Jesus Christ who came to save and share God's love. If we are to do the same, some church values might get stepped on. But didn't he do that to the Pharisees values as well?

Didn't Jesus eat with what they considered sinners? Didn't he enjoy the company of prostitutes (not sexually) and tax collectors? Did these people drink and have a good time? Did they cuss? Were they rough around the edges? I bet so.

And he didn't expect them to clean up and come see him in the synagogue either. He went to them.

Just my two cents worth though.

[Jennifer]

I am an active member of the Journey Church, and as it’s member, I approve of the way in which they communicate with non-believers as well as believers. They realize that even though Christians are saved, they are still sinners. Jesus ate and drank with non-believers and communed with them using words and illustrations of what they were accustomed to. It is moving being in that room while the discussions at Midrash, the discussion forum, is happening; people can be themselves without judgement, and are accepted as they are, and know that their voices will be heard. It is refreshing to be apart of a Church that wants to reach people where they are

Jennifer Akins Says:
March 8th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I want to clear this up too..
We do not bring our bibles to Midrash (aka Theology at the bootleworks) and we do not discuss as a Bible Study. It is a way of talking about cultural and theological issues and having time with people of other faiths and walks of life: a connection..Yes, some do drink beer there or a glass of wine, but it is not about the beer or the wine, it is about fellowship (we also meet at Coffee houses the other times we meet for Midrash).

Our worship services are very conservative and they are on Sundays and they are without alcohol.

Check out or doctrine and other info at our website: www.journeyon.net