The Bible is full of stories where God’s people take bold, countercultural steps of obedience. From Abraham leaving his homeland to Paul preaching in the marketplaces of pagan cities, the gospel has always advanced through risk. Gospel risk is not recklessness, but rather a Spirit-led willingness to move beyond comfort zones in order to meet people where they are. It involves placing faith in the power of the gospel to transform hearts in unexpected contexts.

Jesus Himself exemplified this kind of risk. He broke cultural norms by dining with tax collectors, engaging with the marginalized, and entering spaces considered unclean. His mission was not confined to the synagogue. Instead, it expanded into the streets, homes, and even parties—wherever people were. For church planters today, this presents a compelling model: go to the people, rather than expecting them to come to you.

The idea of planting a church in a brewery may seem jarring at first, especially for those steeped in a more traditional Christian background. But for many, breweries represent the new public square—a space where people gather, converse, and build community. They are often relational hubs for young adults and professionals who might never consider attending a traditional church. Planting a church in a brewery leverages this cultural dynamic to foster authentic relationships and create space for spiritual conversations.

Church planters choosing this route are not promoting alcohol; they are promoting accessibility. They’re saying, “We’ll come to where you are.” It’s a strategy driven by evangelism, not entertainment. It opens doors for people who have been disillusioned with the church, hurt by religious institutions, or simply indifferent to organized religion. The brewery becomes a place where walls come down, questions are welcomed, and the gospel can be heard in a context that feels open and disarming.

People who would never have entered a church building have found themselves in a brewery on a Sunday morning, listening to a message of hope and redemption. Friendships are formed over shared experiences, and spiritual conversations emerge naturally in a space that feels familiar and non-threatening.

Pastor Travis Hartjen is in the process of establishing a new church in Justin, Texas, called Reclaimed Church. Currently, they hold their worship services at ThreeWide Brewery Co. Although they are close to moving into a permanent location, Pastor Travis has discovered that intentionally planting in a brewery has fostered a culture of gospel risk. By taking this risk, local business owners unexpectedly became partners in ministry, assisting in event promotion and connecting the church with the community. This gospel risk has not only enabled the community and the church to cross paths but has also fostered a culture within its members, encouraging them to take gospel risks where they live, work, and play.

Planting a church in a brewery may not be for every pastor, church, or community. But for some, it represents a faithful, creative response to the unique challenges of our time. It requires courage, prayerful discernment, and a willingness to trust that the gospel truly is powerful enough to meet people wherever they are.

Gospel risk is never about pushing boundaries for the sake of novelty. It’s about stepping out in faith, believing that Jesus still seeks the lost in unexpected places. A brewery may seem like an unlikely venue for divine encounters—but then again, so did a manger in Bethlehem, a Samaritan well, or a Roman cross.

The gospel, after all, has never been confined to sacred spaces. It is alive, mobile, and always moving toward the margins. And sometimes, it just might be found fermenting in a brewery.

By Rev. Ben Gonzales
Area B Mission Strategist