Old churches (buildings) becoming bars.

[Kelly]

I know of at least 2 old churches in my area that have become nightclubs or bar & grills.

Clutch Cargo's (http://www.metrotimes.com/metropolis/clubs/place.asp?id=265)in Pontiac, MI

The Union Bar and Grill (http://www.metrotimes.com/guide/restaurants/place.asp?id=2503) in Clarkston, MI

This personally breaks my heart. I know that God resides in His church - meaning us, but seeing places of worship turn into places of commercialism, drunkeness, gluttony, adultery, lust, and general immorality really says a lot about our disposable culture.

When they were building that church, did they ever expect it to have a 'gay night'?:sigh: :( :cry:

[MichaelFJF]

There's one right across the street from my church, which is funny since the state of Utah has a law prohibiting bars from operating within 500 feet of a school or Mormon ward or stake or whatver you call it. But they can operate a crosswalk away from a Catholic church. M

[TwinCrier]

That really is sad. The glory has departed. Satan is still the god of this world.

[muffler dragon]

Looking that the glass as potentially half-full, I would be more concerned about how the buildings came to be vacant. Is it a matter of a lessening of the Body? Or did they move to a newer and larger facility?

Just some things to think about.

m.d.

[Kelly]

In Harbor Springs, a resort town in northern michigan, there's a beautiful little church that has been reconditioned into a 2 unit luxury condo. If I had the money I'd buy the place and keep it a house of worship.

[BBAS 64]

I know of at least 2 old churches in my area that have become nightclubs or bar & grills.

Clutch Cargo's (http://www.metrotimes.com/metropolis/clubs/place.asp?id=265)in Pontiac, MI

The Union Bar and Grill (http://www.metrotimes.com/guide/restaurants/place.asp?id=2503) in Clarkston, MI

This personally breaks my heart. I know that God resides in His church - meaning us, but seeing places of worship turn into places of commercialism, drunkeness, gluttony, adultery, lust, and general immorality really says a lot about our disposable culture.

When they were building that church, did they ever expect it to have a 'gay night'?:sigh: :( :cry:
Good Day, Kelly

My church building used to be a bar. So, it works both ways.

Bill

[Kelly]

Good Day, Kelly

My church building used to be a bar. So, it works both ways.

Bill
Awesome!

[twistedsketch]

Every Christian should take note of this and consider the possibility that their church could wind up like those. The church in America is sick today, and as wrong as the drinking, lust, drugs, etc are, when that happens in one of our old buildings, it is our fault. Our fault for not loving and reaching out to unbelievers. Our fault for not being a healthy community of believers. Our fault for compromising on some truths, while stressing unbiblical rules. Because we are the ones that will let it get that way.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Buildings arent important. The church is the people. In the OT, it was about the physcial, the buildings, the rituals, etc. Now, its about the spiritual, the heart, the grace, etc. It may be sad, but don't let it trouble you. We should never put too much value on mere structures.

[Duggie]

[muffler dragon]Looking that the glass as potentially half-full, I would be more concerned about how the buildings came to be vacant. Is it a matter of a lessening of the Body? Or did they move to a newer and larger facility?

Just some things to think about.
Good point. If the church has been taken over because the congregation has outgrown the building then obviously that's great. If on the other hand the opposite is happening then we can't blame interested buyers who want to purchase the buildings for their own specific use.

In England where I live pubs are everywhere and in many instances are integral parts of the community. Pubs are no longer places where you go just to drink alcohol but are also family friendly, play areas for kids, huge screens to watch live sports, meals etc..

Sadly a lot of churches are emptying but that doesn't mean that there aren't other buildings taking their place filling up with eager worshippers. :)

[Knight]

Kelly,

I wouldn't let it bother you too much.... These places are just wood, nails, bricks, and mortar. But you know that already.....

[Fun_Fundie]

:(

Doesn't that face just say it all?

[LADY DI]

:wave: Hi!!!!


On a happier note: my old church ( the building ) was built originally to be very nice two story restraunt, then it was sold to a guy who turned it into a rock night club. They had all kinds of problems with criminal behavior. So it got shut down. Then it was bought by my church and believe it or not the community that I lived in was happy that it was turned into a church!!!

[Mimi]

God is in us...not in buildings of stone......It is just stone.

In Holland we have turned some churches in musea, bars, party halls and so on. I think it is not bad. People who should go to church stay home.....less and less people go to church.............That has a reason. And to not use the empty building for anything is a waste of space.....whatever it is, it is social gathering and people meet each other there. Something good might come from it.