As Christians we often tend to condemn rather than include. Why is the neighborhood bar so popular? What is its draw?

In their book, “The Edge of Adventure“, Keith Miller and Bruce Larson wrote:
“The neighborhood bar is possibly the best counterfeit there is to the fellowship Christ wants to give his church. It’s an imitation, dispensing liquor instead of grace, escape rather than reality, but it is a permissive, accepting, and inclusive fellowship. It is unshockable, it is democratic. You can tell people secrets and they usually don’t tell others or even want to. The bar flourishes not because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart the desire to know and be known, to love and be loved, and so many seek a counterfiet at the price of a few beers.”

They go on to say:”With all my heart I believe that Christ wants his church to be unshockable, democratic, permissive–a fellowship where people can come in and say, “I’m beat!” “I’ve had it!” Alcoholics Anonymous has this quality. Our churches too often miss it.”

I know this to be true, because I have been there and still feel a yearning for the open acceptance so often found in the bar.
There is little left to say except to pray. “Holy God, forgive us,… me… , your Church, for becoming shockable and judgmental. I am no better than the worst of sinners, for I am he. Except by your grace and mercy, I too would be seeking a counterfeit instead of You. Compel us, the church, to be the open welcoming Christians you would have us be.”

Post a Comment