Back in my high school days when I was still trying to figure out who Jesus was and why I needed to know and follow him, there were a few guys in my life that took the time to help me in that journey. Chris was one of them. He’s now the senior pastor of the Sidney First United Methodist Church just up the road from where I grew up. On Sunday mornings, his church looks pretty similar to churches you might find in any smalltown across America. On Sunday evenings, though, the services look very different.

The Sunday evening services are held in a local bar. There’s country music, a mechanical bull, pool, beer and the Word of God. Recently, ABC News caught up with Chris and captured this story. Chris explained:

This is the kind of place Jesus would hang out. His first miracle was at a local person’s home. It was the wedding hall of the day and people were enjoying themselves and having fun. They ran out of wine and he made them more.

Wonder why I have such a passion for using non-traditional methods for reaching people for Jesus? Well, part of the reason is that Jesus put that passion in me. And, frankly, one of the ways he’s fueled that passion is by putting people like Chris in my life.

I hope this story causes you to pause and reflect on your ministry. I hope it makes you uncomfortable. Are you really reaching people who are unchurched and don’t yet know Christ? Are you willing to do whatever it takes short of sin to reach people for Jesus? If not, maybe it’s time for you to hit the bars.

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