This month, a former London barman is answering the tough questions about life and God in a Maroubra pub.
Every Wednesday evening in May, one of the pastors at Wild Street Anglican Church, Maroubra, Kurt Peters is doing some straight-talking about God at the Maroubra Junction Hotel.
Kurt says his time as a barman in London has helped him to see the value in using a pub as a place for outreach.
"People came to the pub to relax, have a break from their worries and sometimes hoping to find the answers to the big ones like the meaning of life."
Kurt hopes to offer more than just a listening ear to those who come along.
"There will be short talks addressing the big questions of life, why the world is in such a mess, what the solution is and why anyone should even give a stuff about the whole thing," Kurt said.
Over the past few years, Wild Street Church has run several community events in Maroubra.
"We've met people at our barbecues, information stalls and other community events," he says.
"People genuinely have questions about God and where their lives fit in the larger scheme of things. But it's a big ask to cover all the important issues in a 15-minute conversation."
Over 65 per cent of Maroubra residents, like the rest of the Sydney population, identified themselves with Christianity in the 2001 census. However, it is much harder to get people to come through the church door.
"Even during Easter and Christmas, we're not seeing 65% of Maroubra residents in churches. It appears many people are uncomfortable being in a church building; they feel like a fish out of water," says Kurt.
Kurt, who has a Masters of Divinity from Sydney Missionary and Bible College, says God on Tap is an opportunity for people to ask their questions about God and get some answers beyond a cursory chat at the bar or barbecue.
"Hopefully, people will feel relaxed enough in a pub setting to discuss with others their questions and answers."
"We're inviting our guests to arrive earlier, from six thirty, to have a meal before the organised program for the night starts," says Kurt.
"God on Tap is not an event where we just give out information; we want to build relationships with like-minded seekers."
There will also be some light entertainment at the event. Beverages will be at cost. Kurt says he will be leaving it to the barman to pull the tap.
God on Tap will be held at the Function Room, Maroubra Junction Hotel on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:15-8:30pm. Admission is free but RSVP by Wednesday 12 noon is essential. Email rsvp@godontap.org or phone 9314 2500. For more information, visit [url=http://www.godontap.org]http://www.godontap.org[/url]
Christians are asked to come only if they are able to bring a guest.
