Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Associated Baptist Press Foundation
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Donate Subscribe
Search Search this site

Beer, Harry Potter and the future of faith

OpinionTrey Lyon  |  October 3, 2016

lyon_trey“We’re new to the area” he said. “We moved here to plant a church.”

When I asked him where they were planting the church, he mentioned a nearby development where the cheapest loft is $190,000 and the houses start at half a million dollars. It has everything — a new grocery store, a restaurant opened by a “Top Chef” finalist, a boutique home goods store. I sincerely wished him well but reserved my reservations about how the theologically conservative model would fare in a relatively affluent, progressive community where at least four other recent “plants” are within less than a quarter mile.

A few days later I read of a local brewery that is expanding and opening a second brewing facility. Proudly touting their commitment to staying “in city limits,” the release spoke of a brewery with a new tasting room and an urban orchard, with nostalgia about how the company was created, by inviting neighbors and strangers to a garage to taste and talk. They then listed their priorities for finding a new property and said, after being courted by many other cities and states, one priority was to have their “physical location in an underserved part of Atlanta.” What’s more, they are “reaching out to the various neighborhoods and organizations operating around us.”

The release further states, “We obviously want to make sure this new space is economically viable, but we also want to make sure we are building something that enhances and reflects the community that surrounds it. We hope to be a meeting place for these neighbors, to employ these neighbors, and to invest back into the community when possible.”

Building buildings, engaging community, creating industry, planting an orchard: it reminded me an awful lot of Jeremiah 29 — the part before verse 11, the part where God via Jeremiah says, “Settle down, seek the peace of the city.” I do not wish to malign the good-natured church planter that I met, but I couldn’t help but be struck by the contrast in approach. A group of folks moving into a place they did not know, strategically chosen at least partially because the median household income is the highest in our zip code, compared to a group of local folks who made good and when given opportunity to expand chose to double down literally across the tracks in their own hometown.

Full confession: I’m not a drinker, though I hold no moral judgment of those that do. But I had to confess, when I read the brewery’s mission statement that the company “exists to deepen human relationships over some of the best beer in the country,” that there’s something much more than bottles, cans and distribution lines at stake in their business plan, I couldn’t help but think “no wonder folks would rather go to a tasting room than a church service.”

Sure, there’s alcohol, but there is also the chance to learn something new, experience something new and build community — or simply enjoy deep conversation and a shared experience with a friend or loved one.

There is much hubbub about the rise of the “nones” — the so-called “spiritual but not religious.” A friend of mine hosts a podcast on reading Harry Potter as a sacred text — seriously and rigorously, using spiritual practices like Lectio Divina and havruta, the Jewish practice of conversation around a text. Presently it is the number one Religion and Spirituality podcast on iTunes, ahead of every big-name, book writing, TV preacher you can imagine. And lest you think that a novelty, it was downloaded over 500,000 times last month alone, meaning this is a real source of formation for many.

Many prophesy the decline and perhaps even the death of the American church. That may or may not be true, but the church of Jesus — the one that takes seriously both the Divine image and the image of the Divine in every person — can never die, but it certainly can and does evolve. I am becoming convinced that we are entering this era and for those of us leading and doing church in traditional spaces it presents a unique set of challenges.

Are people willing to forgo comfort for community? Are we in the business of societal transformation or consumeristic brand building? Are we willing to accept that our way may not be the best way? Are we willing to believe that Jesus may be in the tasting rooms and the headphones? How can we find creative ways to “seek the peace of the city” where we find ourselves?

I have few answers and I am eager to hear yours, but as we go, a word of caution. Emulation doesn’t get us very far. The things that connect with us on a visceral level happen because they tap into something real and true and meaningful. We have been “seized by the power of a great affection” but does that translate into what we are doing? Turning the fellowship hall into a brewery probably won’t get us there. Clever sermon series on pop culture where everything is a bait and switch for the sinner’s prayer likely won’t either. And yet, if all truth is truly God’s truth, there is so much more for us to seek and to know.

After all, we follow someone who said he was the Way, the Truth and the Life. Not religious systems, not denominations, not buildings — him. So let’s follow him. I wonder who he’ll drink with tonight.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)

OPINION: Views expressed in Baptist News Global columns and commentaries are solely those of the authors.
Tags:Jeremiah 29beerHarry Potterfuture of faithbreweryBuilding buildingschurch growthengaging communityNonescreating industryspiritual but not religiousplanting an orchardfuture of the churchTrey Lyon
More by
Trey Lyon
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • Featured

    • The state murder of Tyre Nichols

      Opinion

    • Armie Hammer links his sexual excesses as an adult to his abuse by a youth pastor when he was 13

      News

    • Three images to remember Tyre Nichols

      Opinion

    • U.N. World Harmony Week is only seven days but must last all year, speakers say

      News


    Curated

    • Salman Rushdie Says He’s Grateful, ‘Can’t Regret’ His Life After Stabbing

      Salman Rushdie Says He’s Grateful, ‘Can’t Regret’ His Life After Stabbing

    • Why Chinese Immigrant Pastors Avoid Preaching on the News

      Why Chinese Immigrant Pastors Avoid Preaching on the News

    • Joe Rogan: ‘The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous’

      Joe Rogan: ‘The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous’

    • California senator announces bill to protect religious practices of incarcerated individuals

      California senator announces bill to protect religious practices of incarcerated individuals

    Read Next:

    PC(USA) committee lambasted for choosing a ‘text of terror’ for ordination exam

    NewsMark Wingfield

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • Tom Brady may be the NFL’s “GOAT,” but he’s a lousy theologian

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • “What’s the one book I should read on anti-racism?’

      OpinionSusan M. Shaw, Senior Columnist

    • Study finds racial and ethnic identity plays a role in mental health of Gen Z

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • How a medical emergency during worship showed love in action

      OpinionZach W. Lambert

    • U.N. World Harmony Week is only seven days but must last all year, speakers say

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • The historical significance of ETBU acquiring B.H. Carroll Institute

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Three images to remember Tyre Nichols

      OpinionJulia Goldie Day

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • The state murder of Tyre Nichols

      OpinionLisa Sharon Harper and David Gushee

    • Armie Hammer links his sexual excesses as an adult to his abuse by a youth pastor when he was 13

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • ‘I remember repeating to myself: “I have the right to be here.”’

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Lyell asks Alabama court to dismiss Sills lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • PC(USA) committee lambasted for choosing a ‘text of terror’ for ordination exam

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • BCMD executive director, also a NAMB vice president, resigns due to ‘moral failure’

      NewsMaina Mwaura

    • Title 42, congregations and the sojourner

      OpinionSean Powell

    • SBC Executive Committee member once again criticized for sexually crude social media posts

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • The truth about police brutality

      OpinionJames Ellis III

    • In Ukraine: ‘We cannot just preach like we did before the war’

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • TikTok trends and three questions you and your church should ask this year about rest

      AnalysisLaura Ellis

    • Two churches ‘under inquiry’ by SBC Credentials Committee for platforming Johnny Hunt

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Biblical orthodoxy 2023: Sign or get ‘churched’

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Zimbabwean pastors flee ministry to join more lucrative care work in the UK

      NewsRay Mwareya

    • Jesus and Buddha are talking with me about loving and blessing my enemies

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Biden administration urged to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Why most everything you think you know about global migration is probably wrong

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Study finds racial and ethnic identity plays a role in mental health of Gen Z

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • U.N. World Harmony Week is only seven days but must last all year, speakers say

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Armie Hammer links his sexual excesses as an adult to his abuse by a youth pastor when he was 13

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • ‘I remember repeating to myself: “I have the right to be here.”’

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Lyell asks Alabama court to dismiss Sills lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • PC(USA) committee lambasted for choosing a ‘text of terror’ for ordination exam

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • BCMD executive director, also a NAMB vice president, resigns due to ‘moral failure’

      NewsMaina Mwaura

    • SBC Executive Committee member once again criticized for sexually crude social media posts

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • In Ukraine: ‘We cannot just preach like we did before the war’

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Two churches ‘under inquiry’ by SBC Credentials Committee for platforming Johnny Hunt

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Zimbabwean pastors flee ministry to join more lucrative care work in the UK

      NewsRay Mwareya

    • Biden administration urged to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Transitions for the week of 2-3-23

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • ‘Can you imagine looting the religious artifacts that help strengthen the Christian faith from the Vatican?’

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Panelists discuss how the Hamline University controversy could have been handled better in a diverse culture

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Pope Francis arrives in Africa on a two-nation tour seeking peace amid decades of conflict

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Museum of the Bible to host Wednesday morning event to pray for God’s judgment on America, and breakfast is not included

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • National Prayer Breakfast gets new sponsorship but still looks like government-sponsored religion, BJC leaders say

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Zimbabwe Theological Seminary names new principal

      NewsBNG staff

    • What happens when church and state merge? Look to Nazi Germany for answers

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Southwestern Seminary student arrested for alleged ‘felony sexual assault’

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Trial date set for Patterson and Southwestern versus Jane Roe

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Faith groups must fight online hate, Interfaith Alliance urges

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Tom Brady may be the NFL’s “GOAT,” but he’s a lousy theologian

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • “What’s the one book I should read on anti-racism?’

      OpinionSusan M. Shaw, Senior Columnist

    • How a medical emergency during worship showed love in action

      OpinionZach W. Lambert

    • Three images to remember Tyre Nichols

      OpinionJulia Goldie Day

    • The state murder of Tyre Nichols

      OpinionLisa Sharon Harper and David Gushee

    • Title 42, congregations and the sojourner

      OpinionSean Powell

    • The truth about police brutality

      OpinionJames Ellis III

    • Biblical orthodoxy 2023: Sign or get ‘churched’

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Jesus and Buddha are talking with me about loving and blessing my enemies

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Letter to the Editor: Kudos all around for Baptist News Global

      OpinionLetters to the Editor

    • Letter to the Editor: Jesus expects us to follow him; Trump expects us to follow him

      OpinionLetters to the Editor

    • Humor and hope mark the dark journey taken by a creative and brave photojournalist

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • One year of sobriety

      OpinionGlen Schmucker

    • Men’s ministry needs more than, eggs, bacon and football

      OpinionMaina Mwaura

    • The church must show the world a more excellent way of nonviolence

      OpinionRodney Kennedy

    • Church historian Richard Hughes reflects on a lifetime of ‘Troublesome Questions’

      OpinionTed Parks

    • What churches could learn from the Pub Choir phenomenon

      OpinionMike Frost

    • Living into lament: A white response to the killing of Tyre Nichols by police

      OpinionRobert P. Jones

    • Of church cemeteries, pulpit committees, crafts and sweet potato casserole

      OpinionChris Ayers

    • Of Margie, mountains and ‘El Shaddai’

      OpinionBert Montgomery

    • What I learned from meeting Martin Luther King in Louisville and Josie in Hopkinsville

      OpinionBill Thurman

    • On the baptism of our firstborn

      OpinionEmily Hull McGee

    • Has virtual worship actually harmed Christianity?

      OpinionSara Robb-Scott

    • ‘What can we forgive?’: An interview with Matthew Ichihashi Potts on Forgiveness

      OpinionGreg Garrett, Senior Columnist

    • My father’s faith

      OpinionBrett Younger

    • Salman Rushdie Says He’s Grateful, ‘Can’t Regret’ His Life After Stabbing

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Why Chinese Immigrant Pastors Avoid Preaching on the News

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Joe Rogan: ‘The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • California senator announces bill to protect religious practices of incarcerated individuals

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Via jokes, ChatGPT chooses which religious traditions and figures deserve respect — and therefore what counts as ‘religion’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • A brief history of the Black church’s diversity, and its vital role in American political history

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • “Left Behind: Rise Of The Antichrist” Is The Latest Installment In The Apocalyptic Thriller Franchise. It’s Nothing More Than Evangelical Make-Believe

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Antisemitic flyers could spur action on proposed Georgia law

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • A brief history of the Black church’s diversity, and its vital role in American political history

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • New effort surveys Sikh students about bullying and school climate in the US

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Civil rights legislation sparked powerful backlash that’s still shaping American politics

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Church of England submits blessings for same-sex couples to fierce debate in Synod

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • GOP Rep. Who Spoke At Pro-Hitler Event Goes After Ilhan Omar Because Of ‘Anti-Semitism’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Psychedelic churches in US pushing boundaries of religion

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Prominent Jewish leaders add to drumbeat of criticism of Israel’s new government

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • At Tyre Nichols’ funeral, VP Harris and Sharpton among those praying and promising reform

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Marvin Olasky Still Wants to Make Journalism Biblically Objective

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Progressive National Baptists to deploy $1 million grant to boost ‘compelling preaching’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Church of England sheds light on ‘shameful’ slave trade ties

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Chinese Christians remain in Thailand fearing deportation

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Black police officers aren’t colorblind – they’re infected by the same anti-Black bias as American society and police in general

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Ohio is investigating a Nazi homeschooling network that teaches children to love Hitler

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Omar says some Republicans don’t want a Muslim in Congress: ‘These people are OK with Islamophobia’

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Tyre Nichols police beating video prompts faith leaders to react with grief, goals

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • How Egyptian police hunt LGBT people on dating apps

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2023 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS