"Pint Night" and Redeemer Presbyterian NYC

How about meeting for "Pint Night" and calling it a church gathering at the local "watering hole" (as the church calls it, referenced in their web site below)? Any alcoholic sinner of the world would want to attend in his or her dis-ease, and not just that, but stay for more rounds of drink to bury and numb any emotional discomfort in alcoholism! It is a place where the town drunks act the same as the church members! Wow, what a "missional" concept---exploiting the weaknesses of others in God's name and demeaning God's power to heal spiritual and emotional wounds without alcohol.

The Bible says we are to be "sober" and of a "sound mind," so the idea of drinking at a Bible study is a tad contradictory, but it seems to be the postmodern way of this new PCA Presbyterian Church, All Souls, affiliated with Redeemer Presbyterian NYC where Tim Keller is pastor. Jesus said, "Come to Me...," not alcohol, but I have a feeling this "church" will not be emphasizing what Jesus said over pop-culture trends. After all, this church is being created by the elders for the pub. Imagine the Bride of Christ sitting on a bar stool with spirits of whiskey and beer all around. The Bible teaches the Bride of Christ is worth a whole lot more.

Yet, all the souls at this affiliate church of Redeemer Pres. NYC in Seattle are apparently off to the pub to drink a beer or two in God's name. Yes, this is surely a church where all the souls of the world would feel welcome (unless the souls wish to remain sober and abstain from alcohol, that is). Not a bit of "oving the Lord "with all your MIND" going on as they meet at the pub to get a little buzz, so I predict this "church" will draw large numbers and be a "success." Will the "Bible study" teacher be drinking at the "Pint Night," too? Is the idea to get a little loosened up perhaps in order to wash the Gospel down, to have a drink and let the "spirit(s)" roll?

The new church, All Souls, in Seattle, WA, is an affiliate of Redeemer Presbyterian NYC and offers "Pint Night" to all the souls who would evidently not care to remain "sober minded" as the Bible teaches. They plan to meet at the pub here. I wonder if there is a drink limit at the Bible study. It would not be my kind of church, because I don't drink beer. But, then again, I am an old-fashioned Christian who was never taught to drink beer while at "Bible study." Yes, this is certainly a new "missional" way---drinking beer at the pub, getting a little tipsy and calling such an experience "church." In all fairness, perhaps it is not meant to be a Bible study. It is not specified as a Bible study. Maybe they are just meeting to hang out at "the watering hole" and drink. The Bride of Christ deserves better. I would never want to go to a "watering hole" with a man, and I thank God that Jesus takes me to places much better than a pub as His Bride. Down on my knees with Him is a much better place any night of the week.

From the All Souls web site:

All Souls is an affiliate of Redeemer Presbyterian Church of New York City.

http://www.allsoulsseattle.org/gatherings.html

All Souls is a brand new community. A sapling, really.

We’re a new and mixed group of folks, gathered from all over the social and spiritual map, of all ages and professions––some new to Seattle, some native to the area. Some are grandparents, many are in diapers.

Some are skeptical or curious about Christianity, some are taking steps toward faith for the first time (ever, or in a long time), and others are committed followers of Jesus, resting more and more in God’s grace.

In other words, all are welcome, and welcomed to be in process.

Having just begun meeting for Sunday worship, we are still in the beginning stages––building relationships, growing vision, imagining together what God will continue to do within this growing body as the All Souls story unfolds.

In fact, we are community known for gathering informally––any excuse to just hang out together––and are constantly welcoming newcomers to join us for dinner parties, beach picnics, exploring the Christian faith, book discussions, prayer, serving others, you name it.

Additionally, impromptu gatherings at West Seattle playgrounds, cafes, and watering holes happen frequently.

This fall, with the beginning of Sunday worship, we’re also gathering for:
+ Moms’ Group (every Wed.)
+ Pint Night (third Thurs. of the month)
+ Sunday Supper (Oct 24, Dec 5)
+ Home Groups (meet bi-weekly, learn more)

Click on the image at right to view a printable (and email-able) PDF with upcoming gatherings listed, and view the All Souls calendar for more info. All are welcome!
Please contact us with questions or for directions to a particular event. Thank you

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From the calendar:
Pint Night
WhenThu, October 21, 8pm – 10pm
WhereThe Beveridge Place (map)
Description: Join new and old friends for beer or cider every third Thursday at the Beveridge Place (www.beveridgeplacepub.com) near Morgan Junction in West Seattle.