What are your thoughts on this?

[Sis]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I heard of another denominational pastor who had a service in a local bar on ladies night. He spoke on relationships and self respect to a section of the bar mostly filled with ladies who listened intently. The bar owner didn't expect so many ladies to take their drinks over to the section where the preacher was speaking but they filled the section, some standing. The preacher had a conversational tone and wasn't "preaching" in typical fashion, but he just spoke on relationships and respect, seasoning much of his message with various verses from the Bible. He also hit some points of humor where a lot of the ladies related and there was some laughter. There was actually quite a good reception from the attendees. Now... the local churches of course want him tared and feathered. lol

I don't see that as having church. I see that as having psychological talk on self esteem.

I look at it this way. When Jesus saved me, I crawled out of the pit. I refuse to go back into the pit to try to teach/preach. I will reach down into the pit and pull anyone up that wants out, but I won't wallow with them IN the pit. Big difference.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sis

I don't see that as having church. I see that as having psychological talk on self esteem.

I think it depends on how one defines "having church". If one defines it as having music, dancing, shackamaroo, and a screaming preacher complete with the "preacher's cough", no that wasn't church. But "church" in the NT was comprised mainly of small and simple meetings where primarily the Scriptures were read and prayers were offered. Rather tame compared to modern Pentecostal fashion. I'd liken this not necessarily to a "psychological talk on self esteem", but rather a Topical Bible Study offered in a public establishment.

I look at it this way. When Jesus saved me, I crawled out of the pit. I refuse to go back into the pit to try to teach/preach. I will reach down into the pit and pull anyone up that wants out, but I won't wallow with them IN the pit. Big difference.

I can understand that. But what if God calls a man to minister in these places? There is nothing unholy about a bar or restaurant in and of itself. Some sad souls go there to drown their sorrows in drunkenness, but most go to socialize or just to hang out and take the edge off.

I guess I feel like just because a man gives a Bible Study in bar doesn't mean that he's reveling in drunkenness or "partying" with the crowd. In fact, he's most likely keeping things rather tame compared to how most would behave if they weren't listening to his study. So I wouldn't say one would be "wallowing" with them in any way. It's just meeting people where they work, socialize, and play to give them a Bible study.

For example, the last Bible study I gave was to three people in an Applebee's... and it was at a tall table in area with the bar. I know for a fact that a few people listened in on the study though they were sipping on a couple beers and eating riblets. What's the difference?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Area church to hold worship services in bar
http://www.daytondailynews.com/searc...rchbarweb.html

...

That's Ohio. What do expect from people in Ohio? They can't even vote right. Ohio... blthpppppppt!

[Sherri]

We had a lady get saved in our church a couple years ago who owned a bar. She had a lease for almost another year, and couldn't get out of it. So she continued to run the bar (even though Holy Ghost filled), but she witnessed to everyone who came in and she herself totally quit drinking. She brought SO many people to church over the course of a year, including some of her regular customers and barmaids. Everyone kept telling her she was going to ruin her business by talking about the Lord, but she determined to make the best out of an uncomfortable situation.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sherri

We had a lady get saved in our church a couple years ago who owned a bar. She had a lease for almost another year, and couldn't get out of it. So she continued to run the bar (even though Holy Ghost filled), but she witnessed to everyone who came in and she herself totally quit drinking. She brought SO many people to church over the course of a year, including some of her regular customers and barmaids. Everyone kept telling her she was going to ruin her business by talking about the Lord, but she determined to make the best out of an uncomfortable situation.

I would have let her continue running the bar. A Christian would make the best bartenders. You see, bartenders aren't there to get you drunk, they're there to serve drinks and food...and to prevent people from becoming too hammered. Bartenders are legally liable for people who leave and are too messed up. I would have let her continue running the bar. LOL No telling how many might come to church. But of course, I personally don't think it's a sin to drink responsibly and in moderation.

[Withdrawn]

I've been praying and seeking the mind of God for this very thing. There's a difference between going to where people are and partaking in their wickedness. Jesus Himself would have been found in these very places. I'm certain of it. He wouldn't be partaking of their drunkenness, but He would have been there caring and loving people and extending hope to them. And He wouldn't have been screaming at them (and... Bless Gawd! You generation of vipers... [i]preacher cough[/]...) or asking the choir to sing or take up an offering. He would have ministered to them right where they are... healing their diseases, delivering them from their addictions, etc.

I've been feeling like the Lord is telling me to just go, sit at a table in the corner with my Bible one evening, order a Diet Coke (personal conviction not to partake of alcohol), and try to strike up a few conversations and see where it goes. I've ministered to far more people OUTSIDE of the walls of "the church" because I got a revelation that I AM THE CHURCH ... WHEREVER I GO... and out of 168 hours in any given week, about 166 of them take place outside that building. That's where I need to minister.

Pray for me. I'm actually very backward in my personality, so "striking up conversation" - especially with strangers - almost paralyzes me with fear. But I know God is calling me to do this.

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by HeavenlyOne

This is my personal take on it.

If I wanted to hear about Jesus, I'd go to church.

If I want to have a good time at the bar and someone starts preaching and the management allows it, I'll find me another bar to patronize.

We are the church, the gospel mandate never said bring people to church, it said go, I think it to be risky to go to that setting but at the same time, those risks are rewarded. Sometimes to fulfill the gospel mandate, we are going to have to sit in the smoking or drinking sections.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

We are the church, the gospel mandate never said bring people to church, it said go, I think it to be risky to go to that setting but at the same time, those risks are rewarded. Sometimes to fulfill the gospel mandate, we are going to have to sit in the smoking or drinking sections.

AMEN!

Apparently Jesus did just that and was called "Gluttonous and a winebibber" by the "religious" of His day.

The great commission say "Go Ye into all the World......" What part of all does not include the bar? Youare 100% correct borther, the Church is not a building with a cross on top, it you and me taking up our cross and following Him.

[Aquila]

I think we've given into a spirit of fear in a lot of ways. We like to keep things in church because it's "safe" and controlled.

It might have some "risks". But this is war. Why don't we accept the fact that there will be losses? It's like we see that the war must be fought.... but we don't want to brave the fire or move into enemy territory.

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by aquila

i think we've given into a spirit of fear in a lot of ways. We like to keep things in church because it's "safe" and controlled.

It might have some "risks". But this is war. Why don't we accept the fact that there will be losses? It's like we see that the war must be fought.... But we don't want to brave the fire or move into enemy territory.

bingo!!