Well, if it was up to me, I’d like to open a community church project in a form that I’m sure some will find offensive, but which has worked for me before. I want to open a pub. A drinkers pub, not a family pub, where people come in, get a pint or several, and set the world to rights. In amongst this would be the normal rush of bar staff, glass collectors, but also a couple of Outreach Workers and myself as Minister/Landlord. The plan would be that on Sunday mornings a church service would be held, and the pub itself would open after lunch. The rest of the week it would work as normal. It would workk on a spiritual level by allowing those who would not be seen in a church except for their funeral to come into contact with outreach in their own environment, where they can talk to us about problems in their life, or ask for spiritual help and support, without the “stigma” of being seen going to Church, because for some that is how it is seen.
We wouldn’t preach about the errors of their ways, or try to “convert” them, but instead show them an example of Christian love, using profits from the pub to support other local churches and community projects.
As the old saying goes, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
January 18, 2009 at 2:06 pm |
Sounds a great idea.
With you on that one.
January 22, 2009 at 2:24 pm |
Thank you for visiting my blog and especially for posting a comment about the inauguration of President Obama. I really appreciate it when my visitors leave comments. I note that Annette directed you towards my blog and for that I am also grateful. As regards your Dream Job Part 2 I have no problem with that concept whatsoever. Although I am a regular church worshipper I am also a person who thoroughly enjoys a couple of pints at my local favourite watering hole on a regular basis. The majority of the punters know that I am an active member of my church and it causes no difficulty whatsoever. On the contrary, I am often asked sincere questions concerning my religious life and about church matters in general. I never attempt to proselytize but prefer to lead by example. People see what I am and I try always to present a good image of a practising Christian. Jesus did not have a church he went among the people and even turned water into wine at a wedding feast so I have no guilt feelings about enjoying a few pints and socializing with friends. Worship within church feeds me spirtually and that is definitely necessary in my case, but I also feel that my visits to the ‘local’ are a passive form of outreach and does no harm whatsoever. So if ever you do embark on your Dream Job No.2 be sure to let me know and I will certainly pay you a visit, or several for that matter!!!!!! Incidentally, the Emeritus Bishop of Truro, affectionately known as Bishop Bill, also enjoyed a pint or two in his local and earned himself much praise for doing so. If you are interested in exchanging links feel free to let me know. Kind Regards, David aka Old Plod of Plympton