It’s been over a year since I’ve been to the Tybee Island Bar Church to be a part of the no-name band and to share a few words of encouragement and God’s Love. To enjoy the pot-luck brunch served on the pool tables and to be among some Island Saints who are doing their best to live as Christ wants. To see people drop some change or some bills in the offering bucket on the pool table to help support the ministry. Plus, the live music in the Bar Church and all over the island is live and fun and your feet just can’t be still.

  I’ve been going to the Tybee Bar Church for seven years and since that time I have met some of the most spiritual, yet quirky, people imaginable. Their faith is real and practical; not heavy into theology or religious trappings; experience communion in their own style and using whatever elements are available; baptize in the ocean; and worship using old gospel songs, some rock ballads, and often make up songs on the fly. There’s no “official” order of worship, but things are done orderly, just not always in order. Prayers are often, a Bible lesson is applicable (and always followed by a good joke by Sam), and the message is short, sweet, yet challenging.

  Since I was last there, they have moved to a new bar, and I look forward to the next digs. So, in just a few weeks, I will load my keyboard, ukulele, raggedy cargo shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops for another trip to the sweet sand of Tybee and (as many call it), the “isle of misfit toys.”

  Going there is always a good thing for me and I know it’s time to go when I start taking myself and my faith too seriously. Meaning, I am more concerned with the Religion of Christianity instead of the Relationship with Christ. The modern church can get so serious and consumed with programs, ministries, numbers, and denominational and intra-church politics. Here at the Bar Church, it’s all about Jesus and the whole “come as you are” and we will “accept you as you are” way of living. It’s kinda like the way the early church just met in homes and sang and encouraged others about their walk with Christ. Nothing too heavy, nothing too deep, nothing too critical.

   Shouldn’t we all be that way? There’s not anything wrong with steeples, stained glass windows, polished pews and pulpit furniture. It’s okay to wear robes and stoles, suits, ties, dresses to worship at your church. Using a hymnal or a screen for the music is fine, as is a piano and organ or a praise band of guitars, drums, and other instruments. Passing offering plates and receiving money to support the church is not only good, but scriptural. However, my thoughts are when these things take our focus, instead of the one God, is when we need a bar church trip. Maybe not physically, but at least in our spirit. When we feel pride in how we preach, pray, play an instrument, or sing a song, instead of humbling our spirits for the gift God has given us, then maybe you need to come to a bar church. At least in your mind.

  I love God. I love Jesus. And sometimes I lose focus on why I do what I do at church. It becomes rote and routine. This is what I (we) need to avoid. When we recognize this happens, go to the bar church. You are always welcome to go with me to Tybee Bar Church, or just find that same simple attitude in your heart. Love God. Love Others. Give of Yourself.

  And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.