New Around the Mission

Theology on Tap

October 29, 2010

"It is better to think of church in the ale-house than to think of the ale-house in church."
Martin Luther

During Luther's years of preaching and teaching as well as informal conversation, his students wrote down verbatim most of what he said and recorded it in dozens of volumes of "Table Talks." Among the hundreds of astonishing and sometimes controversial things he said, he mentions beer more than a couple of times.

Beer and theology seem to have a long history together. Apparently some great men of faith like Martin Luther, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien shared an appreciation of lively theological discussions over a pint of brew, and Trappist monks were know to brew beer.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Tony Baron

Taking cues from these spiritual icons, the Rev. Canon Dr. Tony Baron, Senior Pastor of The Way Christian Fellowship in Vista, California, gathers people at local pubs to engage in monthly conversations about “everything you wanted to know about beer and theology but were afraid to ask.” The discussions known as Theology on Tap are drawing crowds of people who haven’t been in a church for quite some time.

Tim Roser, a twenty-something member of The Way is passionate about beer and following Jesus. Working towards becoming a brew master in San Diego, the city known to be one of the top two destinations for microbreweries, he shares a wealth of beer knowledge with the group.
Baron teaches routinely at Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary and draws from noteworthy colleagues who partner with him to lead theological discussions at the pubs.
“Our time with the group is conversational and non-threatening,” explains Baron. “People are free to ask questions about their faith around a table at a pub that they would be afraid to ask in church. A young police officer drives 65 miles to come.”

Theology on Tap location in Southern California

While Theology on Tap is drawing a multi-generational audience who want to learn more about the Christian faith (Baron’s barber even showed up), a few attend Sunday morning worship at The Way and meet with Baron one-on-one for further discussion.

Maybe Martin Luther had it right when he said it is good to bring church to the ale house.

Visit The Way Christian Fellowship.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action