Grace on Tap explores new kind of Christianity

Ministry is not something that is conducted solely at a church: Stan McKinnnon, Father of Grace Episcopal Church, has proved it.

Through his summertime, progressive ministry called Grace on Tap, he has had the opportunity to reach out to people who would never attend service or Bible study at church. At 7 p.m. every Wednesday, McKinnon extends an invitation for anyone to join him at 28 Springs for fellowship and a beer.

"It's a new kind of Christianity and something we do that's a little different," McKinnon said. "You don't have to drink to come, but there are 16 taps to choose from if you want to."

And that was the case at last week's Grace on Tap meet-up. Not even half of the 25 attendees had alcoholic beverages.

There isn't any pressure to buy a meal either, because water and bread is provided, said Mary Benjamin. Benjamin and her husband, George, have attended Grace on Tap since it's inception six years ago.

McKinnon and his wife, Laurie, began the event as a way to bring together people who attend church with those who generally don't.

"We have people that don't go to church who come to this and get to know people in the parish," McKinnon said.

Donna Schwartz is not a member of Grace Episcopal Church, but she does attend Grace on Tap.

"I have no answers, I only have questions," Schwartz said. "That's why I am here."

At the unconventional gathering, she, and many others, had informal discussions about religion and the ways they view Christianity.

The nonconfrontational and thought-provoking discussions were introduced through a summer reading assignment from the book "A New Kind of Christianity" by Brian McLaren.

"The books we read are on the edge of Christianity and culture," Stan said. "These kinds of books help people understand Christianity as it engages the culture they come from."

Bob Smith and his wife, Verna, said they value Grace on Tap and the challenges that come from different perspectives.

"It gives me the opportunity to discover what my presupposition is to different points of view," Bob said. "There's no you're wrong, I'm right."