There was an article in the Globe and Mail newspaper earlier this week about congregations that have started up "pub night" discussion groups as a way of gathering people to talk about God. These groups get together in local drinking establishments, presumably ones where the music or televisions aren't blaring and chat about faith issues.
It sounds as though they are quite successful and somewhat to my surprise the pastor interviewed was from a conservative, charismatic congregation. This would once have been forbidden ground in most churches, including the majority in our denomination, but apparently no longer. The pastor says that while they gather as a group, other patrons who overhear their conversations sometimes join in.
It sounds like a good idea to me. I'm an "all things in moderation" kind of guy, so I have no problem with bending an elbow while discussing my faith. Obviously no one is forced to attend these evenings and the intention is to create a more relaxed atmosphere away from the church building. While the article doesn't say anything about the gender of participants it sounds like more of a guy thing. It makes me think of the literary group formed by the eminent Christians of another era including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien who met regularly in a pub they nicknamed the Bird and Baby because of its sign.
What do you think? Are you appalled? Is it a good idea? Are you wondering when we'll get started?
When we lived in Winnipeg for a few years I attended a United Church that had a Thursday night pub discussion group. It was a lot of fun and we had great discussions. About 10 to 20 people came out including the 2 ministers of the church.
ReplyDeleteI too read this article with interest. I have no problem attending a study session held at the church, but the reporter pointed out that many do, and this may open the door for those uncomfortable in a traditional setting to discuss faith issues. As we look to the future as a church body, I believe we have to be open to changing all kinds of traditions without compromising our core beliefs...to recapture the imagination of younger generations, and if pub nights for responsible adults to comfortably discuss faith issues sparks interest, I think it is in our best interest.
ReplyDeleteHave to ask Irene...'Which UC you attended in the Peg?...We enjoyed 6 years in that great Prairie City.
Somehow Laurie was transformed into Irene by going to Britain -- blogger's error, not her choice.
ReplyDeleteSo we have Laurie and Laura as former Peggers.
I agree that the church setting is intimidating for some. Why not move elswhere if it works? It obviously was successful in Winnipeg where nine months of winter fosters creative alternatives.
We had 2 years in Winnipeg, I attended off/on Augustine U.C. I hated the winters but enjoyed the spring/summer/fall.
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