The church that holds its services in the Alderwood Mall theater has found another unique venue – a bar in north Lynnwood.
Starting Wednesday night, Sound Church will host bimonthly gatherings at One Eyed Jack’s Roadhouse on Highway 99. Pastor Judson Bartels said they got the idea after holding small group meetings there last year.
“The bar was excited about the idea, seeing that its uniqueness would cause curiosity and hopefully more sales. We were excited to develop an in-road to a larger audience in our city,” Bartels told us.
He’s already heard some criticism from people who don’t believe alcohol and worship should mix. Bartels said since the days of the prohibition, there has been an inherent idea in the church that all drinking is sinful.
“The Bible has 145 positive references to alcohol and 40 negative references. The negative references have to do with abusing and overindulging,” Bartels said. “If you go overseas to practically any other country, the idea of alcohol as sinful is not prevalent.”
So how do the regulars at One Eyed Jack’s feel about sharing their space with a church? “Many of them are open-minded to it and others are resistant. But in the conversations we have with people, even atheists have said ‘can’t wait for Church at the Bar,’” Bartels said.
It’s not a completely new idea. One church in Florida has been doing it for a few years.
“It is a small, unique group of pastors who have the courage to risk their reputation to reach the ‘unreachable,’” Bartels said.
The first Church at the Bar is from 9 – 11 p.m., Wednesday, May 25 at One Eyed Jack’s Roadhouse (14019 Highway 99.) Blue Soul Revival will appear as the house band. More information can be found on the church’s Facebook page.
Good stuff. I think this is the kind of thing that Jesus did that really shocked those around him. He loves people, and, as it happens, a lot of us people love beer. As a Christian, I know that I have the freedom to enjoy beer, but I am mindful that God doesn’t want me getting drunk. So I do all things in moderation. But I wouldn’t drink beer during a worship service…and that may just be my own prude-ness. But, if I were part of that churchg, I’d be happy to lift a glass afterwards and thank my maker for the gift of His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness for my sins…and of course, beer!
And for those who have a drinking problem, I know that I am not to stumble those dear brothers and sisters in Christ. They should probably not attend this particular church.