Mixing of Beer, Church Contested

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A new church is attracting members with unconventional methods such as pouring beer during theological discussions, but Southern Baptists say the outreach runs contrary to what the ministry represents.

A congregation of young St. Louisans called The Journey has grown from 30 members in 2002 to 1,300 members. The growth has been fueled by energetic programs, including Theology at the Bottleworks, a gathering at a suburban St. Louis microbrew pub for discussions on serious and offbeat topics linked to religion, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported yesterday.

Conversations cover issues from racism in St. Louis to modern art controversies to the debate about embryonic stem cell research.

Darrin Patrick, The Journey’s founder and pastor, said participants at the pub are invited to Sunday services.

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