Our mission is to help people connect with each other and with God through the common appreciation of beer.
WWJB Fosters Discussion
There is something mysterious about brewed drinks (Coffee, Tea, Beer) that causes one to pause and connect with others. Sometimes they are enjoyed at the kitchen table, coffee table, rocking chair on the porch, and sometimes it is at the local tavern. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were among a legendary group called the “Inklings” that connected at the “The Eagle and Child” pub. We believe God wants us to build relationships and we don’t want cultural barriers within the church to limit relationships that may not otherwise be cultivated.
All eating and drinking must be done responsibly, and there are situations where drinking should be avoided.
The church has a long history where it embraced alcohol. Jesus made wine. Monks brewed beer. Martin Luther, the leader of the protestant Reformation, was an avid brewer of beer. It wasn’t until Prohibition (1920-1933) that a subculture of the American church emerged such that alcohol was considered a sin or at the very least a non-essential part of life that should be avoided by devout Christians. This has led many Christians to drink in secret, and has severely limited connections between people that would have transpired around this ancient brewed beverage. Perhaps there is reason to demonstrate discernment between culture-induced values and Biblical values.
By coming together to enjoy a barley-brewed beverage, we believe that people will build more relationships with each other, and with people who they wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise. To this end we take a moment from our busy lives and raise a glass, and thank God for the blessings that he has given us – including beer!
We believe that moderation is necessary for alcohol, just like with food and most everything in life. We support people who choose to avoid drinking. You should not drink if you believe it is dishonoring to God, because you would be purposefully acting in dishonor according to your understanding of God. You should not drink if you are unable to drink responsibly, or if you knowingly would lead someone else to not drink responsibly.