Richard Essex/Eyewitness News
Broad Ripple - An unusual worship service welcomes visitors just as much with a beer as with a bible.
Daron Earlewine leads "Pub Theology" every Sunday night at C.T. Peppers in Broad Ripple.
"I don't know where you're at tonight, maybe you just came in off the street, maybe a friend has been trying to drag you to a Pub Theology for awhile," he told the crowd at a recent event.
Church is where you find it, or where it finds you.
"This is where the young adult generation is. They're in pubs, discos, in bars, listening to music and dancing and hanging out," Earlewine said.
Hope is heard a lot these days. The Travellers, a group of Christian musicians of which Earlewine is a member, saw a need to spread their message of hope and faith in an environment that doesn't scream "church."
"Probably the initial reaction is just a little bit of, 'What did you just say? You're going to do what, where?'," Earlewine said.
"It's for the people who are walking past the church, you know, who feel like if they go into church, they are going to burst into flames. This is a good step to get you in the right direction," said worshipper Aaron Hubbard.
"Very relaxing, very comfortable. It's very feel-good religion. It's not hard-sell religion, it makes you feel good," said Dianna Williams.
Pub Theology combines music and conversation between the band and an audience that's free to do as they choose - including smoking and drinking.
"Alcohol's not the point. It's about creating an environment for people to be able to investigate Christ and see that they're never at a place where they're unlovable," Earlewine said.
"I think it's just another neat way to worship," said Jessica Grogan.
"I'm having a beer. I'm very much enjoying my beer right now," said Mitch Smith.
"Now, we just come because we like to hear the music and listen to the message," said Rick Blackburn.
Pub Theology averages over 100 people every Sunday night. Many are looking for the same thing, but just going about it in different ways.
"It's your soul, it's your spirit, it's your heart. That who you are would fill its worth, that you are worthy to be loved by God, no matter what your story is," Earlewine told the crowd.
"Pub Theology" brings a religious message to the bar crowd.
Daron Earlewine speaks to the crowd.
The Travellers perform at Pub Theology
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