Call it “proof of faith,” or, in this case, 40-proof faith.
Tulsans came together Monday night for “Bar Church” at Tulsa’s Inner-Circle Vodka Bar.
The small group of people in attendance said the atmosphere inside a bar’s walls is more enjoyable from a typical church sanctuary.
Bar owner Andy Cagle said he is happy to host the new concept.
"Just like a church is, a bar is a place where people can come together as a community," he says.
The group meets once a month, enjoys an alcoholic drink and talks about faith.
It is something that St. Paul’s Methodist Church Assistant Pastor Reverend Shelly Daigle says is a new way to reach people.
"We wanted to give people [a place] to have some of those conversations about what does it mean to be a person of faith today in a setting where they might normally come," Daigle says.
The group begins each session by completing a community service project. Monday night, they filled bags of rice for “Restore Hope Ministries.”
After that, they chat about faith, take communion and pray with one another.
“There’s definitely an atmosphere of openness,” the reverend says.
While this group understands there may be some who do not agree with this progressive form of church, Travis Ewton said this is how he interprets the way Jesus spread the word.
“He was spending time and engaging people in ministry in places that weren't the temple, and that was intentional.”
The group meets the first Monday of every month at the bar at 8 p.m.
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