Analysis Of A Saloon
Preaching
Lions And Cows Dining Together
And 111 Other Sermon Ideas
Object:
Purpose Statement: Do churches and taverns offer the same services, and does our church do a better job of it?
One Saturday night, a nightclub burned to the ground, but the resident parrot escaped through the window and flew across the street and into a church. The next morning, Sunday, the parrot awoke during the morning service and looked around confused. The parrot, remembering the fire, but not his trip across the street, thought, "Wow, they redecorated this bar in a hurry." Noticing the minister serving communion the parrot commented, "And they have hired a new bartender." Seeing the choir elicited the response, "I see they have a whole new floor show." As the parrot looked out over the congregation, it noted, "But, I see it's the same old crowd."
What attracts people to taverns? We read in the newspapers about the fights that break out in bars and outside of bars. We seldom hear of that happening at family restaurants, fast food chains, or churches. What goes on in bars and why? There are reasons why we do something or go someplace, and it might be helpful to ask what individuals are looking for that sends them to bars. In that connection we should ask why people go to church and what they are really looking for at church. Remember the parable of the dinner party where the guests didn't come (Luke 14:15-24)? Jesus implied that we take the good news to the poor and "unfortunate." We must not read too much into the story and think it means that the church members (the first invitees?) didn't respond (although that is certainly another sermon topic substantiated by other scriptures: Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 21:28-32; Luke 18:9-14; and others). On the other hand, be wary of practicing paternalism.
a. How is a tavern like a church? There are at least three reasons why folks go to a bar.
1. They are in need of fellowship, and sometimes they find it there.
2. They have problems and the bartender (according to myth perpetuated by television and movies) will listen sympathetically, as may other of the denizens.
3. Another objective may be the seeking of an image for oneself.
First, our desire for fellowship is acknowledged as a common, if not universal, need. We need socialization to be healthy individuals and will seek out friendship in all kinds of places. Second, suggesting the problems people have sends them to bars searching for answers is not hard to understand; drink is a popular opiate with which to drown our frustrations. And, finally, one of the major motivators for many is the need to create an image for themselves that will be acceptable to some group. A beer baron once said of his brew, "The customer imbibes the image." (Hot War on the Consumer, David Sanford, editor, p. 14.) Whether it is a tavern, a nightclub or a "sophisticated" private wine gathering, one element is common: the desire to impress a certain clientele that we are cool, daring, rugged individuals; that we are sophisticated or any of a number of other roles we want to play. What about church? We go to church for similar reasons: for fellowship (with God and others), because it helps us with problems or gives directions to our lives, and perhaps to create for ourselves the image of a kind and good person. (Note: contrary to our stereotypes, we will find some very loving and caring people in taverns, as well as some mean spirited folks in church.)
b. How is a church not like a tavern?
1. The fellowship should be deeper and more meaningful at church than at a bar, though this isn't always necessarily true. You and I will determine the reality.
2. As for our problems, the church offers far more than the "escape" a bar provides. Christians care enough to make sacrifices for others, and hopefully offer a sincere non-judgmental love in caring for a multitude of problems.
3. Finally, the church tells us that we don't need an "image" or persona. We are acceptable for who we really are and loved despite any peculiarities. God loves us and we love one another. Without "putting on airs" that love helps us grow naturally into God's grace and fulfill our potential.
c. How do we take the church to the tavern? Tavern folks aren't in the tavern all of the time. They are our neighbors, co-workers, and the stranger we meet almost anywhere (and some of them are already in church). One of our unfortunate tendencies is to proselytize those who go to church elsewhere. We encourage folks to change churches instead of reaching out to the unchurched. For some Christians, it may mean a ministry actually taken to the bars. (Please don't drink the water.) People who frequent bars and nightclubs are looking for the church and don't know it. They are not going to believe it if we tell them. It calls for establishing some very trusting and caring relationships. The fields are ripe for harvest, and so are the saloons, for the more courageous and creative evangelists among us (Matthew 9:35-38). To accept this mission, Jesus says, we will be like lambs going out among the wolves (Luke 10:1-3).
One Saturday night, a nightclub burned to the ground, but the resident parrot escaped through the window and flew across the street and into a church. The next morning, Sunday, the parrot awoke during the morning service and looked around confused. The parrot, remembering the fire, but not his trip across the street, thought, "Wow, they redecorated this bar in a hurry." Noticing the minister serving communion the parrot commented, "And they have hired a new bartender." Seeing the choir elicited the response, "I see they have a whole new floor show." As the parrot looked out over the congregation, it noted, "But, I see it's the same old crowd."
What attracts people to taverns? We read in the newspapers about the fights that break out in bars and outside of bars. We seldom hear of that happening at family restaurants, fast food chains, or churches. What goes on in bars and why? There are reasons why we do something or go someplace, and it might be helpful to ask what individuals are looking for that sends them to bars. In that connection we should ask why people go to church and what they are really looking for at church. Remember the parable of the dinner party where the guests didn't come (Luke 14:15-24)? Jesus implied that we take the good news to the poor and "unfortunate." We must not read too much into the story and think it means that the church members (the first invitees?) didn't respond (although that is certainly another sermon topic substantiated by other scriptures: Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 21:28-32; Luke 18:9-14; and others). On the other hand, be wary of practicing paternalism.
a. How is a tavern like a church? There are at least three reasons why folks go to a bar.
1. They are in need of fellowship, and sometimes they find it there.
2. They have problems and the bartender (according to myth perpetuated by television and movies) will listen sympathetically, as may other of the denizens.
3. Another objective may be the seeking of an image for oneself.
First, our desire for fellowship is acknowledged as a common, if not universal, need. We need socialization to be healthy individuals and will seek out friendship in all kinds of places. Second, suggesting the problems people have sends them to bars searching for answers is not hard to understand; drink is a popular opiate with which to drown our frustrations. And, finally, one of the major motivators for many is the need to create an image for themselves that will be acceptable to some group. A beer baron once said of his brew, "The customer imbibes the image." (Hot War on the Consumer, David Sanford, editor, p. 14.) Whether it is a tavern, a nightclub or a "sophisticated" private wine gathering, one element is common: the desire to impress a certain clientele that we are cool, daring, rugged individuals; that we are sophisticated or any of a number of other roles we want to play. What about church? We go to church for similar reasons: for fellowship (with God and others), because it helps us with problems or gives directions to our lives, and perhaps to create for ourselves the image of a kind and good person. (Note: contrary to our stereotypes, we will find some very loving and caring people in taverns, as well as some mean spirited folks in church.)
b. How is a church not like a tavern?
1. The fellowship should be deeper and more meaningful at church than at a bar, though this isn't always necessarily true. You and I will determine the reality.
2. As for our problems, the church offers far more than the "escape" a bar provides. Christians care enough to make sacrifices for others, and hopefully offer a sincere non-judgmental love in caring for a multitude of problems.
3. Finally, the church tells us that we don't need an "image" or persona. We are acceptable for who we really are and loved despite any peculiarities. God loves us and we love one another. Without "putting on airs" that love helps us grow naturally into God's grace and fulfill our potential.
c. How do we take the church to the tavern? Tavern folks aren't in the tavern all of the time. They are our neighbors, co-workers, and the stranger we meet almost anywhere (and some of them are already in church). One of our unfortunate tendencies is to proselytize those who go to church elsewhere. We encourage folks to change churches instead of reaching out to the unchurched. For some Christians, it may mean a ministry actually taken to the bars. (Please don't drink the water.) People who frequent bars and nightclubs are looking for the church and don't know it. They are not going to believe it if we tell them. It calls for establishing some very trusting and caring relationships. The fields are ripe for harvest, and so are the saloons, for the more courageous and creative evangelists among us (Matthew 9:35-38). To accept this mission, Jesus says, we will be like lambs going out among the wolves (Luke 10:1-3).
