Bible at the Bar is a discipleship and outreach ministry that seeks to take the Word of God into places that Christians don’t normally frequent (at least not with outreach in mind). It is a model for doing outreach and discipleship by living out and discussing God’s Word in the surroundings that God has wired us to permeate. By entering into places where people are naturally comfortable and by living out our Christian life openly, we are able to engage in conversations in which we would not normally be able to take part.
We are all wired differently but are all part of the same body of Christ (Romans 12:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12). He has made us to fit into different groups so that we can reach the whole world! Bible at the Bar helps people to find their “mission field”. We encourage and support people as they live open and authentic lives and are available for those that God brings to them. God has created us to enjoy this world while doing so in line with His perfect will. He has given us an abundant life and a hope that we should be prepared to share with others.
God’s love is central in the way that we discuss God’s Word and how it impacts every aspect of our lives. When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment – Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40; NKJV) John clarified this further in 1 John 4 when he proclaims that he who loves God must love his brother also. Our discussions in God’s Word, it’s interpretation and how it applies to all things (people, politics, pop culture, finances, identity, right/wrong, sex, etc) must be done in love or not at all (especially when we don’t agree).
God’s love is also central in the way that we care for the people around us, in particular the staff at each establishment. These are the people that we have the greatest opportunity to impact. The body of Christ has a horrendous reputation for being the most selfish, critical, unloving (and lowest tipping) crowd when it comes to the food service industry. We are the dreaded “after church crowd”. This needs to change. This is the exact opposite of the reputation that we should have because it is the exact opposite of who we are supposed to be! Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45) and we should do the same. We must care for others through our finances, our humble attitudes and Christ’s love.
If you would like to get involved or would simply like more information, feel free to message me or attend one of our events!