The Inn Crowd

By Craig Donovan

Advent study groups are solemn and studious; whereas public houses are loud and rowdy; and never the twain shall meet! Well, not until now …

For this Advent our study groups, rather than meeting up at church or in someone’s front room, we boldly strode out into the community — settling into a snug corner of the Fighting Cocks. This once rather rough looking pub has undergone something of a transformation under the auspices of landlady Emily Bennett. Soft lighting and not so subtle music, a wonderfully bohemian garden, it’s become the watering hole on the Parade.

Filling one corner of the bar, 14 of us gathered to discuss the uses and abuses of MONEY. Subsequent evenings would in turn focus on SEX and POWER. Some may wonder at the choice of venue, or indeed the topics, but if we’re to really take our faith out into our community perhaps this is where we need to be? Many’s the time I’ve stood in one of our local bars debating issues (or more importantly, football) with friends and strangers — so what’s so strange about the prospect of discussing aspects of faith — as a faith community — in such a location.

Ultimately we have to recognise our responsibility to the Great Commission. Jesus didn’t tell his followers to wait here for my people to find you. Instead He said, “Go out and make disciples of all men.”

Today the Fighting Cocks; tomorrow — who knows?

Top of page