Beer and Religion makes for a Good Conversation

In an effort to attract more people to talk about faith, religious groups in Wisconsin have come together to host an event called “Jesus and Beer.” “Jesus and Beer” allows religious groups to connect with people in a more casual setting, meeting up once or twice a month and enjoying a few brews while having some good conversations about faith. Pastor Brandon Brown created the movement about a year and a half ago when he decided to host gatherings at a local bar because he knew that this kind of casual setting would attract more millennials that had lower attendance rates at church. If you attend the event you can expect a free beer, a meet and greet, and speaker and a discussion about faith. Quad-City Times interviewed “Jesus and Beer” attendee Angela Caddell and she said that everyone is welcome. As an outed lesbian, meeting up for beers makes her feel more connected to her religion because it is more casual and welcoming to religious people who aren’t necessarily social conservatives.

"If you're an atheist you are welcome. .... I'm a lesbian, I'm totally welcome,"

The end goal for these “Jesus and Beer” gatherings is to not only develop a stronger relationship with god but to also become more involved and connected to the religious community which is crucial for religious groups. Attendee James Wronski told Quad City Times,

"I think this kind of relaxed social atmosphere where you come, you meet people, you drink, you relax and you kind of learn and educate yourself, that's a big draw to millennials."