Bars and pubs are not a new invention. These gathering places exist around the globe and were as often a town staple and meeting place as the church in former days, and probably more so today. These are also places where complete strangers interact and communicate naturally.
Most importantly, the people in these places are thirsty. On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)
One day a man went to church. He forgot to switch off his phone and it rang during the prayer. The pastor scolded him. The worshippers admonished him for interrupting the silence. His wife kept on lecturing him on his carelessness all the way home. One could see the shame, embarrassment and humiliation on his face. After all this, he never stepped foot in the church again.
That evening, he went to a bar. He was still nervous and trembling. He spilled his drink on the table by accident. The waiter apologized and gave him a napkin to clean himself. The janitor mopped the floor. The female manager offered him a complimentary drink. She also gave him a hug and a peck while saying, “Don’t worry, man. Who doesn’t make mistakes?”. He has not stopped going to that bar since then.