Young Adults are Alcoholics
“Young adult ministry is all about drinking” or some variation can often be heard from an older parishioner when a social at bar is announced in the bulletin or calendar. But the opposite is actually true, young adults today aren’t partying like their parents did. While Baby Boomers and Gen X were popping bottles and toasting everything from job promotions to “just because it’s Tuesday,” Millennials and Gen Z are pumping the brakes on alcohol. The trend toward sobriety is driven by a mix of health concerns, mental wellness awareness, and trendy movements like Dry January, Sober October, and the ever-popular “I just can’t afford cocktails in this economy.”
So, with fewer young adults drinking, do church groups need to reconsider events at bars? Not at all. In fact, bars can still be excellent venues for community-building—whether or not anyone’s sipping something stronger than soda water. The faithful should keep raising a (possibly non-alcoholic) glass to socials at the pub.
Its About the Vibe
Even if young adults aren’t ordering rounds of tequila shots, bars are still popular hangouts. Let’s face it, bars aren’t just places to drink—they’re places to unwind, have conversations, and enjoy good company. They offer that sweet spot between “structured event” and “hanging out in your pajamas binging Young Sheldon.” For church groups looking to connect with young adults, these laid-back environments make perfect sense.
Events like Theology on Tap have shown that meeting over drinks—whether it’s a cold brew or a kombucha—helps spark deeper conversations. Bars provide a relaxed atmosphere where people feel free to ask big questions, like “What’s my purpose?” or “Why do all craft beers have such long names?” It’s easier to talk about life and faith when no one’s worried about wearing the right clothes or sitting in the “visitor’s section” at church.
Shaking Up Stereotypes
Many young adults are wary of traditional institutions, including churches, and may view them as too rigid or formal. A friend might not be ready to meet the parish at Mass, but maybe they can meet the parish at the brewery. Inviting someone to meet at a bar for a low-key discussion sends a different message: that the church is approachable, open-minded, and maybe even fun.
Meeting in a bar shows that faith communities aren’t stuck in a bubble, but are part of the same world everyone else is living in. It says, “Hey, we can talk about God, life, and everything in between—no judgment, no pressure, and yes, they serve nachos.”
Combating Loneliness
Loneliness is hitting young adults hard these days, and social isolation has become a real issue. Even with all the ways we stay connected online, many young people report feeling more alone than ever. Church events in bars offer a remedy by creating space for real, face-to-face connections. There’s something about sitting across from someone, swapping stories over a drink that just makes people feel human again.
Plus, if anyone’s feeling awkward about being at a bar for a church event, they can always take comfort in knowing that even Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. When participants see that everyone is truly welcome, it sends a subtle but powerful message: community is about inclusion. The point isn’t to have a drink but that you belong.
It’s Not What’s in the Glass—It’s Who’s Across the Table
As churches explore new ways to engage with young adults, it’s clear that bars still have a place in faith-based social gatherings. The trend toward lower alcohol consumption offers an opportunity, not a roadblock. By meeting people in these familiar, comfortable spaces, church groups can foster relationships with those who might never set foot in a sanctuary.
In the end, what matters most isn’t what’s in the glass, it’s who’s sitting across the table. The goal is to build authentic connections. Faith communities that embrace these opportunities show that ministry can happen anywhere, even over a pint.