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A Cup of Cold . . . Beer?

Radical Small Groups

by Betty Veldman

Have you considered the place of seeker small groups in your church? An editorial in the August issue of Charisma magazine entitled "Jesus vs. Religion" gives us some food for thought. A Catholic priest named John Zenz recently began leading a Bible study at Dick O'Dow's Irish Pub in Birmingham, Michigan. In a Tuesday-night discussion about God and current events called "Theology on Tap," Zenz is taking the gospel in a non-threatening manner to a place where people with real problems are looking for relevant answers.

Apparently this mixture of booze and Bibles is a huge hit with patrons. According to The Detroit Free Press [June 10, 1999], 150 people crammed in the back of the bar to hear Zenz while they sipped Guinness and Bass Ale. Fifty of them stood because there were no seats.

It stretches our thinking a little, doesn't it? I'm sure this kind of evangelistic small group isn't for everyone, but when the Pharisees complain and the critics whine, "That's disgusting!" I'm reminded of Jesus' words, "I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." If we seriously consider what Jesus would do, we know he would be right beside John Zenz, applauding his efforts.

You may not be called to this radical of a small group setting, but don't forget to plan outreach small groups into your overall small group strategy (keeping in mind that all small groups should have an outreach component). Consider some of these possibilities:

	Start a small group bible study in your home or apartment clubhouse using the Alpha course—a non-religious, ten-week video class that started in England and has spread worldwide, introducing thousands to faith in Christ. (Check out their web site at http://www.alphana.org).
	Start your own version of "Theology on Tap."
	Give youth a place to hang out and ask questions in an informal setting. Provide lots of games and activities to occupy their time. You may end up with the awesome opportunity of mentoring some of them.

People everywhere are thirsty for God. Let's not become so busy satisfying our own thirst that we forget to give the "cup of cold water" (or beer) in Jesus' name.

By Betty Veldman, Connections, Winter 1999. Copyright ©1999, Christian Reformed Home Missions, Grand Rapids, MI 49560. Used by permission. Also printed in the Spring 2000 issue of Lifeline, also published by Christian Reformed Home Missions. View the site of the Home Missions Established Church Development department at http://www.hmecd.org to see more of their resources for evangelism, small groups, and much more.

A Cup of Cold . . . Beer?

Radical Small Groups

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