I don't think the church makes enough use of great venues. This photo is from Joe Thorn's theology pub. It's a second story room in an Irish pub. And that's Joe drinking water by the way. =)
Just a thought here.
What if the church didn't multiply by way of big boxes and satellite-fed LED screens. But rather through reasonably-sized congregations led by capable men and women in interesting places.
We will be meeting here http://paulstewart.typepad.com/endangeredfaith/our-location.html
Posted by: Paul Stewart | June 03, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Love it Ben. How much money would the Church have saved over the last decade if we weren't trying to buy multi-million dollar boxes?
Posted by: adam lehman | June 03, 2009 at 12:41 PM
that's a great idea. take it to the people baby.
Posted by: rob | June 03, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Why do we want to be like Lowes/Home Depot? I like to go lead worship at the Assisted Living complexes for Seniors. Those people want people to come out to them. There's a church in every single one of those complexes.
Posted by: Jim | June 03, 2009 at 01:25 PM
i wonder if part of the problem is that pastors go to conferences in "big box" type venues and feel they have to duplicate what they are seeing...
if only someone would hold a conference in a smaller, more intimate venue with some character...
Posted by: david | June 03, 2009 at 01:51 PM
that's what we're doing here in Detroit. That's what it's about. I love this way of doing it. Not against the other ways, but really enjoy doing it this way.
Posted by: TJ Reid | June 03, 2009 at 01:55 PM
i'm in. where do i sign up?
Posted by: chris | June 03, 2009 at 02:24 PM
mm... sounds like church planting vs. satellite model.
Posted by: Pat Gillen | June 03, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Very good post....looking to do this in the Fall '09.
Posted by: Reg Bertrand | June 03, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Yes, yes my friend. That is what so many churches are talking about and some are beginning to implement. They are coming - multiple sites, multiple sizes, and multiple stories being expressed in cafe, bars, and lounges like never before.
Great photo btw.
Michael Trent
@churchbartender
Posted by: Michael Trent | June 03, 2009 at 03:42 PM
creates so much rich canvas to tell stories and engage people
Posted by: brewster | June 03, 2009 at 03:43 PM
looove.
Posted by: amaris | June 03, 2009 at 04:15 PM
You nailed this one!
Posted by: Darien Gabriel | June 03, 2009 at 05:44 PM
I get the idea, but I disagree.
Posted by: Scott M. | June 03, 2009 at 08:42 PM
and..., what if Joe actually had a beer? oooooh! :-)
Loved this!
Posted by: Richie "Rich" Merritt | June 03, 2009 at 10:33 PM
it's amazing how we've come so far from the new testament church that it's not even recognizable to us.
Posted by: Ben Arment | June 04, 2009 at 09:14 AM