Theology on Tap is a Catholic program that’s been around for over a quarter century, and in Boston, the lecture series is becoming increasingly popular. Several churches take turns sponsoring the event at various bars around town; most recently, Church of the Advent, an Episcopal church on Beacon Hill, sponsored the event at Cheers as part of its “Portraits of Jesus” series:
The series at the Beacon Hill Cheers is the 14th for Church of the Advent, said Gray, who aims to organize three series a year. Summers feature a series called “The Gospels According to . . . ,” drawing on such influences as the Simpsons, J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Matrix” and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
“It’s incorporating culture, arts, hot topics,” said Sarah Livingston, 25, of Jamaica Plain, who attends Park Street Church. “It’s intellectual and stimulating. It’s relevant.”
Theology on Tap is just one way that churches are reaching out to adults in their 20s and 30s. The Friends at the Advent, for example, sponsors community groups, a Flannery O’Connor reading group and a dart night at a local bar.
Park Street Church’s Cafe (for 20-somethings) and Crosswalk (for 30-somethings) ministries draw 200 people total most weeks, according to assistant pastor Dr. Chris Sherwood, who pointed out that Park Street has had young-adult programs since the early 1900s.
“Once you hit a critical mass, it becomes a gathering place for folks,” added Rev. Jeff Schuliger, Park Street’s minister of small groups. Currently, associate minister Rev. Daniel Harrell is leading a group of parishioners blogging about “Living Levitically” in conjunction with his sermon series (www.parkstreet.org).
At the packed midweek Theology on Tap session, Christa Carter, 25, of Roxbury, pointed out that often the church feels like it belongs to the previous generation.
“People our age are disillusioned with the church,” said Carter, who doesn’t attend Advent but regularly attends Theology on Tap. “I want it to be mine . . . to see how it fits in with our generation.”
“It’s a healthy place for a skeptic to walk into,” added Cleveland. “They can ask a challenging question and not be brushed off.”
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