'Jesus & Beer' Event Connects Christians, Others Exploring Faith
After struggling with her Christianity 14 years ago, and coming out as gay, Angela Caddell told ABC News that having a beer and talking about Jesus helps her be more connected to her religion.
An event called, "Jesus & Beer," is a part of an effort by some Christian groups throughout the country used to recruit parishioners, connect with others struggling in their faith, or provide an outlet to talk about faith.
"If you're an atheist you are welcome. .... I'm a lesbian, I'm totally welcome," Caddell said.
Pastor Brandon Brown from CollectiveMKE began the gatherings once a month at bars in a local area of Wisconsin.
Brown does not have a stand-alone church and began non-traditional gatherings that would attract more than just social conservatives. Two dozen people attend his event.
"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 said. "In addition to that, I'll be honest: a beer or two doesn't hurt the conversation at all."
Pew Research shows that 83 percent of U.S. adults once affiliated with an organized religion has dropped to 77 percent in 2014, which is a strong statistic among the Millennial group.
An event organized by the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, called "Brewing the Faith" is another similar faith and beer event.
"Obviously the end is like greater faith and a relationship with God but also to be connected to a parish community somewhere where they are living," Emily Burds, the Catholic church's director of evangelism, said.
Burds says it is "what every Millennial is really searching for."
Rev. John Laurance, associate professor of theology at Marquette University refers to it as a good thing for people.
"You know one of the Psalms says, 'God gave wine to cheer up people's hearts,' so even the prayer book of the Old Testament sees that this is a gift from God," he said, referencing .
