One of my farther flung dreams is to create a reality TV show. The premise behind the show is to have church in a bar. There would be a regular cast of characters (think “Cheers”) and guest appearances by theologians, philosophers, and purpose-filled servant leaders.
Some of my favorite conversations related to God stuff have happened way outside the walls of the church. It’s already happening in some congregational small groups–these gatherings often go by the name “Pub Theology.” Small groups meet at a local pub and talk about theological topics. My reality TV show would be a bit more grassroots–stripped of anything that looks like a traditional church. I already have the bar picked out!
Several years after seminary, and after serving as youth minister in a rather toxic church, I decided I’d explore a career change . . . a rather extreme change. I went to bar-tending school. I quickly learned that there weren’t a lot of differences between tending bar and being a minister. (I never tended bar after going to bar-tending school, by the way. I ended up returning to full-time ministry.) Think about it . . . the skill sets of a minister and a bartender are comprised of many of the same elements.
The minister and the bartender . . .
- meet people where they are (that’s what the textbooks say anyway)
- are active listeners (talk about hearing some great life stories!)
- are non-judgmental (again, that’s what the textbooks indicate)
- offer solutions (the bartender even offers solution solutions)
If one person was practicing both roles in the same space . . .
- Would it allow for more authentic conversations?
- Would it bring about more engaging discussion about the realities of life, including the disappointments which sometimes get glossed over in the traditional church?
Sure. It’s far-flung. I really do wonder, though, if it might serve as a place for healing for those who have felt rejected by church. That’s what I would want it to be. Genuinely.
Oh, the ponderings of a Tuesday night . . . and by the way, the name of my reality TV show? Holy Spirits.
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