Beer Churches Offer Brews In The Pews

You probably know by now that I share with you the latest beer news, and there's a new idea brewing...beer churches. This is not a joke, but for real.

Here's what beer churches are all about, according to an article by by Amanda Scherker on huffingtonpost.com:

"For many, church time is a sobering time. But for a growing number of American Christians, it's the best time to crack open a beer.

Just ask the so-called "Church-in-a-pub" gathering in Fort Worth, Texas, which worships at the Zio Carlo brewpub and toasts with craft beer. The creative approach appears to be working: The event attracts about 30-40 congregants weekly, and the group is looking to expand to more locations.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recently deemed Church-in-a-pub a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community.

Religious leaders behind the trend defend this unique brand of worship.

Back in 1981, Catholic organization RENEW International pioneered a grassroots lecture program called "Theology-on-Tap" as a way for young adults to talk about their faith in a low-pressure, enjoyable environment. The group now hosts meetings across the U.S., in locales including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Boston and New York."