The Rusty River Ministries
Coffeehouse Conversation and Brewery

On Sunday mornings, in the RRM's cafeteria, the Rev. Ralph Martin calls 500 of these people together at the RRM Coffee House Conversation and Brewery Church. The congregation is diverse - straight-laced, blue-haired, tattooed, pierced, homeless, wealthy, young, old, families and individuals. Many there are not familiar with the "traditional" church service, have been ostracized in other congregations or would feel uncomfortable in a well-dressed, "high church" service. Sitting theatre-style "in the round," they look at each other and at the communion elements in the center - both representative of the Body of Christ. "There's serious Holy Spirit power in facing one another," Martin says. "In this world, we're so caught up in fast-time, we're not very patient. We're trying to go against the flow of that, so we take a lot of time with God and each other." Worship begins with up to 30 minutes of talking and milling around. The weekly service often extends to two hours, followed by lunch.
 

Our Motto is "“Faith, Hope, Love and Beer”
It's Beer, Conversation, God
 

Photos

Love to have a beer with Jesus?

Our "Theology Pubs," as they are often called, are designed to help Evergreen people (and really anyone who wants to come) learn in an open environment. These are content-based facilitated discussions, generally on a specific topic with specific reading material (but occasionally more "open" and less agenda-driven. We have these discussions in pub spaces mainly because we value presence as a community in public spaces.
Last month for the first time, the Coffee House Conversation Brewery outreach on Sunday night's church ‘services’ were held at newly remodeled pub.   The Rev Ralph Martin of our Youth Ministry says a member of the evening congregation came up with the idea while discussing the café-style church service St Augustine’s started last year.   “It was a logical continuation of our commitment to making the truth of the Bible and the claims of Jesus relevant and accessible to all in our culture,” says Pastor Martin.   The ‘services’ included a talk, testimony and a ‘mythbusters’ segment addressing common misunderstandings of Christianity.   We printed coasters featuring a Pub Church logo and created a special website. In the week following the TV appearances, Rev. Martin said daily hits increased from 100 to 736.   “Our parishioners have had greater success in inviting people because of the location,” he says. “But in no way are we seeking to condone the excess consumption of alcohol – we’re not talking four beers in one night,” he says, of the ‘four drinks with Jesus’ slogan.   “It’s just a way of making the gospel accessible.”
Our 2009 Coffee House Conversation and Brewery Theology Pubs will converse on such topics as:
Evil and the Justice of God, Evil and the Justice of God, Conversing your faith, The Insider, Missional Living,  Created for Community and a 6 weeks conversation on Missional Leadership

Go on, have a pint with the Lord

Beer isn’t the only thing on tap at the local pub. It may be an unorthodox place for a theology group, but pastors who’ve tried it say a little libation goes a long way in having honest-to-God discussions on faith.  We believe in the benefits of mixing spirituality with spirits.

 

What’s a Theology Pub Crawl?

What is Theology Pub? For us it is a public dialog about matters of faith and culture. What we are doing is creating a context for and a culture of open discussion concerning the subjects that really matter – subjects that are inherently theological. These are often the issues that we should be talking about, but rarely do. So we really don’t teach here, but introduce the subject, ask questions and facilitate the dialog. The exchange of opinions, even conflicting opinions, is good for everyone as it can help us all to evaluate our own convictions and gain a better understanding of each other. For many this is a time to begin thinking through ideas long neglected that merit our attention. For some it will amount to a kind of pre-evangelism where we discuss issues that do ultimately relate to Scripture and the gospel, but this is no bait and switch. You know, where we advertise a discussion on poverty, and then tell them that unless they are “poor in spirit” they will never see the Kingdom of God. We’re up front about what we’re talking about. The goal is to get people thinking and talking through the things that matter. This builds relationships between individuals, between the church and the community, and that provides more opportunities for the gospel to be seen and discussed.

Over the course of the year we will travel to different pubs for a casual place to gather and discuss theology. We will meet every other week and will go to a different pub and have a different topic.
Why at a pub?  A pub is a less intimidating atmosphere than a private home, or even a church might be for a visitor or a non-Lutheran/non-Christian. A newcomer is more likely to feel like dropping in at a public place rather than a private home. Pubs will be selected based on the atmosphere they provide so that it is conducive to small group discussions.

HAVE A LITTLE JAVA WITH WITH HOSANNA!

The Coffeehouse Tradition
Folk, rock and faith find 'Common Ground' at Christian coffeehouse

A coffeehouse  (French/Spanish/Portuguese: café; Italian: caffè, German: Kaffeehaus) shares some of the characteristics of a bar, and some of the characteristics of a restaurant, but it is different from a cafeteria. As the name suggests, coffeehouses focus on providing coffee and tea as well as light snacks. This differs from a café, which is an informal restaurant, offering a range of hot meals, and possibly being licensed to serve alcohol. Many coffee houses in the Muslim world, and in Muslim districts in the West, offer shisha, powdered tobacco smoked through a hookah. In establishments where it is tolerated.  From a cultural standpoint, coffeehouses largely serve as centers of social interaction: the coffeehouse provides social members with a place to congregate, talk, write, read, entertain one another, or pass the time, whether individually or in small groups.

At RRM Coffeehouse Conversation and Brewery, it’s all about high-octane entertainment, but it’s also about providing a bit of sanctuary in a busy urban area.  And, while it’s a faith-based endeavor, it’s a place where those of many faiths – and those with no particular faith – come to find a safe place to socialize, listen to music and have fun.  In addition to hosting live entertainment, the coffee house is also a center of ministry services and offers to support to people and families in crisis, said Lappas. “We have people struggling, who have loved ones dealing with drugs and alcohol, any situation.” “We provide support for them and their families and healthy ways to cope.”

We're tempted to say, "It's Grounds For Faith!"
Gourmet fair trade coffees, teas, refreshments & pizza served!
(Admission is free - donations accepted.)
 

Meet Our Staff

AS we say, "Rock-A-Latte!"

The Coffeehouse is an extension of our successful Contemporary Worship here at RRM.  It is a free Christian Coffeehouse open to anyone who wants to come and hang out. The performances are family-friendly and good clean fun! There is no cover charge and free coffee is always available. WE supports all kinds of music, and is seeking bands/groups/singers/comics to come play our venue. We are not looking for the next "American Idol", rather just someone who uses their gifts and talents in a Christian form.