Angela Caddell started struggling with her Christianity 14 years ago when she came out as gay. But a gathering at a bar to talk faith over a cold beer once a month is helping her feel more connected to her religion.
“If you’re an atheist you are welcome…. I’m a lesbian, I’m totally welcome,” says the 32-year-old from Wauwatosa, Wis., at a recent gathering. “Tonight we’re talking about scapegoating. There is no scapegoating that happens here.”
The event is called “Jesus & Beer” and it’s part of an effort by some Christian groups throughout the country to recruit parishioners, connect with people struggling with faith or provide a relaxed outlet to talk religion.
Caddell heard about the event through Brandon Brown, pastor at CollectiveMKE. He started the gatherings once a month at area bars about 1 years ago. He doesn’t have a stand-alone church and knew that his non-traditional gatherings wouldn’t attract social conservatives. About two dozen people attend.
“I think it also completely unsettles everyone’s expectations in that they know what it is to talk about their faith in a church but most people have never done it in a bar so it’s a totally new environment and maybe fresh,” Brown says. “In addition to that, I’ll be honest: a beer or two doesn’t hurt the conversation at all.”