A Wisconsin pastor has decided to bring the water to the horse, so to speak, & he's hoping some will want to drink. Actually, he's bringing the gospel to 2 local bars, where he will be leading a 9 week Bible study/discussion group launching from an airing of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) documentary, The Question of God, which looks at the question by investigating the radically opposing perspectives of the late Christian apologist C. S. Lewis & 19th century "father" of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud.

Pastor Perry Polnaszek, of Chippewa Falls, WI says, "This is our culture. Rather than trying to deny that this is where people are, we want to reach out to them." The bars are in Chippewa Falls & Eau Claire, WI.

Pastor Polnaszek & his wife are missionaries with the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention (MWBC),stating a new church in the Chippewa Falls area with a small group of committed families from other churches who are supporting the MWBC church planting program to reach out to people who would not come in contact with church or the gospel in more traditional forums. A full program for Fellowship Church starts in September. Previously, the Polnaszeks worked with Touched Twice United ministry, offering free medical & vision screenings in needy neighborhoods, hosted by local congregations. Before entering the ministry, Perry was an optician & began the Twice Touched clinic concept by offering his services for free to needy individuals.

The bar Bible studies even have a sponsor, Guinness, which will promote its non-alcoholic beer, Kaliber.

While some people are uncomfortable with the concept of mixing bars & the gospel, Pastor Polnaszek is enthusiastic about his opportunity to reach people who would not otherwise go to a church. "We want to reach people wh normally wouldn't pass the threshold of a traditional church. . . . We believe the Gospel will stand above all comers."

While those who drop in for the Bible study are free to drink whatever they like, alcoholic or not, Polnaszek suggested, "We just don't want any binging or any fights."

For the full story: Chippewa Falls Preacher Taking Religion to Taverns.