Theology Pub Nights quench thirst for dialogue
College offers relaxed vibe to discuss theology
THE LAST FRIDAY of every month a diverse crowd of people from various church and nonchurched backgrounds pack Leonard Hall at Wycliffe College in Toronto. Eager to listen to theological perspectives in a relaxed atmosphere, attendees can also enjoy a pint of specialty craft beer or cider, and engage in discourse following an interview with an expert in the field.
“It’s a really good bridge of our academic learning side to the general Church population,” says Steve Hewko, Wycliffe College’s program director. “An in-between space where we can bring material from the popular arena, and go deeper from what someone would normally get from Sunday school and sermons.”
Since September 2018 Theology Pub Nights have covered everything from evolutionary ethics, explaining evil, medical assistance in dying and free will. The idea stemmed from a conversation between Hewko and one of the pastors at The Meeting House, a multisite church across more than 20 locations in Ontario, meeting mostly in movie theatres.
“They wanted an opportunity to go deeper theologically, so we partnered with them to do this together,” says Hewko. “We started with 30 to 50 attendees and now can get over a hundred each night. A lot of people don’t want to go to church, but a pub is a nonthreatening space. It’s filling a niche, and we’re pretty excited about it.”
Bruxy Cavey, senior pastor of The Meeting House, has spoken at Theology Pub Nights multiple times. “That people are willing to put aside a night to come and listen to Christian minds process out loud is really fun,” he says. “It’s helpful to engage people on multiple levels, venues and formats because not every format will be the ideal sweet spot for learning.”
Cavey also appreciates how the events have created a greater sense of unity among people of various church backgrounds who show up. “This is one of those places where we can hear from theologians, and be among people who may not be from our particular denomination or group, and stand around and get to know them,” says Cavey. “We need to continue to be intentional and step outside our denominational expressions to interact with the wider, beautiful Body of Christ.”