Bar-hoppers in Grand Rapids may soon find themselves reading Scripture passages while downing frothy pints of ale. At least that’s the plan of business owner Renee Visser and Rev. Peter Winkle, who have applied for a liquor license to open a downtown Bible bar to be name Graces.
The theory? Sharing religious questions and sharing a beer aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they might even compliment each other. The business plan at Graces calls for cleric bartenders and a faith-friendly bar-and-restaurant atmosphere, where patrons can “ask questions about the spiritual dimension of life” without the formality of church.
Not all Grand Rapids area religious leaders are enthusiastic about Graces, but residents seem ready to sidle up to the bar for some beer nuts and biblical exegesis. Cheers!