Don Alan Hankins is the brew master and co-owner of Olde Towne Brewing Company. Don Alan became a Christ follower in October 2005. Since that day he determined to brew great beer to the glory of God (see 1 Cor. 10:31). In 2006 we discussed and prayed about the possibility of Sojourn Church meeting there. We began gathering there in Fall of ‘06. Sojourn Church was officially launched in Spring of 2007. In July 2007 a fire destroyed the brewery. Olde Towne and Sojourn lost almost everything.
But that was not the end of the story! We are thrilled to partner together again with Olde Towne. I believe that if Jesus showed up bodily in Huntsville today, this is one of the places He would engage people. This provocative environment is a great place to hear the claims of Jesus Christ and experience the worship of the God of the bible.
David Thew
Sojourn Pastor
Why would a church want to meet in a brewery? Let me give you two answers. First, many people that Christ died for will not enter a traditional church building, but are intrigued by a church in a brewery. Some have said that they were not interested in going to a church but were intrigued by church in a brewery. Some of these have had spiritual tipping points as a result of hearing the great news of Jesus. There are many more pre-disciples in Metro Huntsville that will come, will hear the incredible news of Christ, and will become new Christians.
Secondly, the building is a metaphor for redemption. Personally, I like beer. But its not about the beer, its about redemption. God certainly wants us to know how not to live. However, most importantly, Jesus wants us to know how to live (John 10:10). God’s good design for life is constantly warped by our broken, human condition. Jesus’ death on the cross makes a way for us to bring all elements of life back under alignment under God’s leadership and His good design. The arenas of life we have twisted can find their anchor again. Power, sex, money, food, drink, work and entertainment can be radically altered by doing them to the glory of God according to the biblical model (1 Cor 10:31).
David Thew
Sojourn Pastor
“Do you suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused? Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women?” – Martin Luther
“Mmmm … beer.” - Homer Simpson
Historically, God’s people have greatly enjoyed alcohol. In the European world one of the most Christian drinks was beer. Saint Gall was a missionary to the Celts and renowned brewer. After Charlemagne’s reign the church because Europe’s exclusive brewer. When a young woman was to marry her church made special bridal ale for her, from which we derive our word bridal. Pastor John Calvin’s annual salary package included upwards of 250 gallons of wine to be enjoyed by he and his guests. Martin Luther explained the entire reformation as “…while I sat still and drank beer with Philip and Amsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty blow.” Luther’s wife Catherine was a skilled brewer and his love letters to her when they were apart lamented his inability to drink her beer. When the Puritan’s landed on Plymouth Rock the first permanent building they erected was the brewery.
As feminism grew in America during the turn of the 20th century the women’s suffrage and prohibition movements were the practical results of a feminine piety that came to also dominate the church as more women became pastors and the church became more feminine. Some denominations began to condemn alcohol as sinful and the Methodist pastor Dr. Thomas Welch created the very “Christian” Welch’s grape juice to replace communion wine in 1869. The marriage of Christianity and feminism helped to create a dry nation that put out of business all but the largest brewers who were able to survive on near beer and root beer which explains why today American beer is largely mass produced, watered down, light on calories, and feminine in comparison to rich and dark European beers. The resurgence of micro-brews is helping to overcome the great loss and resurrect the art of brewing.
Lastly, some Christians foolishly argue that such terms as new wine and mixed wine in the Bible speak of non-alcoholic wine. But, new wine can still intoxicate according to Scripture (Isaiah 24:7; Hosea 4:11; Joel 1:5), and mixed wine refers to special wines where various wines are mixed together and/or mixed with spices and does not refer to wine cut with water (Psalm 75:8; Song of Songs 8:2). God refers to pouring out the wine of His mixed wine on His enemies which does not mean He will dilute justice (Psalm 75:8). The only time such a practice is mentioned in the Bible is in regards to merchants who cut wine with to rob customers (Isaiah 1:22). The Bible speaks of grape juice (Numbers 6:3) and if God meant to speak of non-alcoholic wine he would have used that word to avoid confusion.
All Bible believing Christians agree that drunkenness is a sin.
The Bible is abundantly clear that drunkenness is a sin (Deuteronomy 21:20; Ecclesiastes 10:17; Matthew 24:29; Luke 12:45; 21:34; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3).
The matter is so serious that no priest was to drink alcohol while performing their duties (Leviticus 10:9; Ezekial 44:21) though they could consume while not working (Numbers 18:12, 27, 30), no king was to drink while judging law (Proverbs 31:4-5), an elder/pastor cannot be a drunkard (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7), and that no drunkard will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21).
Sins associated with drunkenness include incest (Genesis 19:32-35), violence (Proverbs 4:17); adultery (Revelation 17:2); mockery and brawling (Proverbs 20:1); poverty (Proverbs 21:17); late night and early morning drinking (Isaiah 5:11-12); hallucinations (Isaiah 28:7); legendary antics (Isaiah 5:22); murder (2 Samuel 11:13), gluttony and poverty (Proverbs 23:20-21); vomiting (Jeremiah 25:27, 48:26; Isaiah 19:14); staggering (Jeremiah 25:27; Psalm 107:27; Job 12:25); madness (Jeremiah 51:7), loudness combined with laughter and then prolonged sleep (Jeremiah 51:39; nakedness (Habbakuk 2:15; Lamentations 4:21); sloth (Joel 1:5); escapism (Hosea 4:11); depression (Luke 21:34); and staying up all night (1 Thessalonians 5:7).
Prohibitionists wrongly teach that all drinking is a sin and that alcohol itself is an evil.
Psalm 104:14-15 “He God makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man …”
John 2:1-11 is clear that Jesus first miracle was performing over 100 gallons of wine at a wedding party
Matthew 11:19 “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ’Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Abstentionists wrongly teach that drinking is not sinful but that all Christians should avoid drinking out of love for others and a desire to not cause anyone to stumble.
Hosea 2:8 “She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold-which they used for Baal.”
1 Timothy 4:1-5 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Moderationists rightly teach that drinking is not a sin and that Christian conscience must guide each person.
Wine is spoken of as both good and bad in the same verses (1 Samuel 1:14, 24; 25:18, 37; Joel 1:5,10).
Apart from good feasting alcohol in Scripture is rightly used for communion (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18), medicinal purposes (Proverbs 31:6; 1 Timothy 5:23), and Old Testament worship (Numbers 28:14).
Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7 “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart.”
Psalm 104:14-15 “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.”
Deuteronomy 14:26 “Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.”
At Sojourn Church, we ask that everyone act according to their conscience when it comes to alcohol consumption. Because of past sin, some who have had problems with alcohol may need to abstain for fear of stumbling into old sinful habits. For those who enjoy alcohol with biblical moderation, we recommend using discernment when providing hospitality for others who may have conscience or addiction issues. Best of all, we look forward to the day when our Lord and Savior will prepare for us a redeemed feast with wine:
“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” - Isaiah 25:6-9
Mark Driscoll
Pastor at Mars Hill Church, Seattle
I like beer. It is an organic drink that has ancient roots. I enjoy trying beers from breweries and microbreweries around the globe. I especially like Huntsville’s own, Olde Towne beer. Don Alan Hankins is quite the brew master.
So how can a pastor and Christ followers like beer? Well, there is a heritage of pastors and theologians who enjoyed beer, wine and other drinks. John Calvin is quoted to say, “if we study… why he has created the various kinds of food, we shall find that it was his intention not only to provide for our needs, but likewise for our pleasure and our delight… For, if this were not true, the Psalmist would not enumerate among the divine blessings, ‘the wine that makes glad the heart of man, and the oil that makes his face to shine.’”
I am not a fan of crappy, watered-down beer. Martin Luther said, “The selling of bad beer is a crime against Christian love.” He also said, “Beer is made by man, wine by God.” George Whitfield once wrote, “Give thanks to that friendly brewer for the keg of rum he sent us.” One sign in Olde Towne’s office quotes Benjamin Franklin: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” (Most of the above quotes are from Drinking With Calvin and Luther, by Jim West. Another good resource is, God Gave Wine, by Kenneth L. Gentry.)
God had a perfect design for Adam and Eve. Basically, God told them to (1) Enjoy Me, (2) Enjoy each other, and (3) Enjoy My creation. They blew it by not believing and obeying Him. Adam’s sin destroyed the ability to truly enjoy God, enjoy relationships and enjoy creation. But the second Adam, Jesus Christ, died so that these relationships could be redeemed (bought back). Through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead we are now able to (1) Enjoy God, (2) Enjoy His Bride – the Church, (3) Enjoy His Mission – reaching predisciples, the helpless and the hurting, and (4) Enjoy His Creation.
Drinking a beer to the glory of God falls in category 4. So does sex, power, money, food, materials, work and others. The redemption of God frees us to bring the abused gifts of God (sin) back into alignment of God’s design. Therefore, you can choose to abuse any of gifts (sin). Or, you can choose to bring God glory by the righteous and God-designed use of that gift.
God chose to reveal the sacrament of communion through wine. He did not make a mistake. We have been told to remember Him through this sacrament until He comes again. Regarding this someone was quoted to say, “Others drink to forget. Christians drink to remember.” Call the abuse of His gifts evil. Just be careful to not call any of God’s gifts evil.
I respect and support anyone who feels led or has chosen to abstain from beverage alcohol. Abstain to the glory of God. John the Baptist did. However, I do not respect any thought or movement that uses extra-biblical preference as a bully pulpit for all to abstain. If you choose to consume alcohol, remember that there are times when you should abstain out of discipline, safety, respect, and deference to others. Do all things with love in mind.
I close with this Scripture: “So whether you eat or drink or WHATEVER you do, do ALL for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (emphasis mine)
David Thew
Sojourn Pastor
No! While Olde Towne Brewing Company is an active and working brewery, beer is not served or available during the service times.
Yes!!! Church in a brewery is open to everyone regardless of age.
NOTE: Our children's discipleship classes meet two doors down from the brewery at Pump It Up! (an indoor, inflatable party zone). You need to drive your child to the Pump it Up! facility.
There we have discipleship classes for children from ages 0-5th grade. Children are taught from biblically faithful curriculums with an objective to show that God is the hero of every story.
Our adult staff will register your child. You will be given a registration number that will be a match to your child. If you are needed, we will put your number up on the screen in the brewery so you can assist us with your child's needs. For your child’s safety we will have Security personnel at Pump It Up! at all times. No child will leave the building during the service or before they are checked out by their parent/guardian. Our security staff have redundant communication methods to ensure contact. Also, Huntsville City Police will be in the vicinity helping to direct traffic and give extra security and peace of mind. All children’s staff go through a national background check.
(Note: For children to be allowed to enter the play area and/or participate in any party and/or program at Pump It Up, a parent/legal guardian must complete and sign Pump It Up's standard waiver form, and it must be on file with Sojourn. This file, along with other materials, can be found at the Sojourn Kids Page at SojournHuntsville.org.)
Some have said that the brewery is refreshing as it challenges them to worship God anywhere they are. Others have said that the space is modern and creative. Just to be clear, our environment is focused on the worship of Jesus Christ and the teaching of His ways. It is all about Jesus Christ.
So what will it be like?
We use ancient and current tools to assist us. We do not feel confined to the 21st, 16th or 1st centuries customs. We feel very free to pull from the expanse of God-exalting traditions from church history. We are free to abstain from practices that were off base or just not relevant to our culture. We are also excited to create our own traditions as we press forward. Film, art and music are used frequently to help us worship and express faith. Sometimes we use an ancient creed to proclaim the core of our beliefs as worship to God.
We sing. Most of the time we have a small acoustic band that leads worship through song. Sometimes we crank it up with a full band.
We pray. We pray to the God of the Bible. We believe that prayer is more than just catharsis. We believe that God desires for us to seek His heart and ask for what He is eager to give. Sometimes we pray for relevant needs in our city. Sometimes we use the Lord’s Prayer as a spring board for prayer.
We value teaching. Sojourn’s teaching segment is textually based and is normally around 45 minutes long.
We have communion. We proclaim the great news of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection each week through taking communion. It is available for all Christ-followers: guests, attenders and guests.
At Sojourn we want everything we do to exalt and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the gospel (Jesus death, burial, and resurrection) is of primary importance.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Websites
Sojourn Church - SojournHuntsville.org
Acts 29 Network - Acts29Network.org
Olde Towne Brewing Company - OldeTowneBeer.com
Sojourn Church - Sojourn Huntsville Facebook Group
Church in a Brewery - Church in a Brewery Facebook Group
Sojourn Church - twitter.com/SojournChurch
Church in a Brewery - twitter.com/BreweryChurch
