By DAVID EPPS
Pastor

Not surprisingly, I received somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 e-mail responses to last week's column which asked, “If Jesus came to our town, would he visit Hooter's, drink a beer, and eat oysters?”

Very surprisingly, to me at least, all of the letters were supportive of the position taken in the column and all of those responses were from Christians.

The position that I took speculated that Jesus would probably visit Hooter's, might have a beer, and might even eat oysters. He would be a friend to the “sinners” in Hooters, and he might be even more welcome there than in some churches! Most of the religious people in Jesus' day didn't much care for him.

A local minister (whose identity I will protect) shared, “I remember when, as a chaplain for the Atlanta Police Department, I used to accompany the officers on their daily visits to the strips clubs. I had the opportunity to witness to the dancers, most of whom I already knew from my visits to the ... jail. They appreciated my attention to them as persons and not nude dancers. Perhaps a seed was planted. I ... tried to love them as children of God and respect them for that reason.”

Chaplain Patrick Stuart shared, “Your article was a hoot! I've been to Hooter's and had the opportunity to do some good ministry there.” The Rev. Joe Beckham of Birmingham said, “Contrary to popular encouragement, I can find no scripture to back religious protests, be it again Disney or anyone else.”

Father Kenneth Bieber, Westland, Mich., wrote, “I remember years ago hearing a television minister state he would never go into a bar — the implication was that it wouldn't look good and if people in there needed ministry, they could come outside or go to church. My thoughts were ... that this man had misunderstood the gospel of Jesus. He wasn't being called to go in and get `falling down drunk.' He was being asked to go where the need was. The fact of the matter is that I've had some pretty good theological discussions over a beer and pizza.”

The Right Rev. Rick Painter, bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, wrote, “During the Jacksonville Convocation, those of us staying at the Omni had no place to eat except Hooter's (because) the services went past the closing time of the downtown restaurants. The first night we met some other convocation attendees that would not eat there and were indignant that we would. (But the keynote speaker's) message challenged us to be out in and among the world as witnesses. Our experience was interesting.

“When we went in, there were glances of shock, curiosity, and questioning. Shortly after we entered, most of the other customers left ... all those clergy collars and stuff ... and we had the place virtually to ourselves. The waitresses were young and attractive and dressed in the regular Hooter's attire. The food was tasty, the service excellent. The atmosphere was very upbeat and we were in a party mood after church. We made it a point to tip generously ... minimum 20 percent ... as a testimony,” Painter wrote.

“The second night the reaction was totally different. The other patrons greeted us, the hostess and waitresses were glad to see us, and we had a ball! By the third night, we were able to share the Good News with just about everybody in the place. Each night, though, we talked with any who had questions,” Painter said.

“Some observations: It is past time for Christians to lose their `super holy ghetto' mentality. Nowhere does the Word tell us to bring sinners to church to get them saved. Rather, it tells us to `go' where they are. The employees of Hooter's were amazed that `Christians' could have fun, laugh, enjoy various styles and tastes of music, give thanks for the food ... even making the sign of the cross ... and share their faith fully and freely. More than once, it was remarked, `You people are different from most religious folks that we know. You are happy, fun, and real.' As a result, several were prayed with. Others we spoke with decided to go back to their church. Still others promised to go to church for the first time,” Painter wrote.

“What would have happened if we hadn't gone in there? I can't say for sure. But, I know this — Christ was lifted up. People were blessed and we had a great time being “real Christians.” Finally, not one of us backslid, sinned, or were tainted by the world. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”

Thank you for that testimony, bishop!

The Rev. Ed Skiba, a priest in South Carolina, wrote, “If you go into the secular cesspool of the world to salvage a few souls you may come out with some bathroom tissue stuck to your shoe. But think of the satisfaction in knowing you were protected by the whole armor of God and were able to share God's love with some people who might otherwise never know it. I don't mind getting a little soiled in the process. Jesus got beaten, bloody, and killed doing it. But soil washes right off with a little holy water and prayer!”

So, with my wife's permission, when the new Hooter's opens up, I will put on my clerical collar, get a table, and order oysters and Diet Coke (I hope they don't serve that Yankee drink, Pepsi!). I will leave a generous tip and be available to share the good news of Jesus to anyone who might be interested. Anyone want to join me at my table?

[Father David Epps is rector of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church which serves the South Atlanta area. He may be contacted at FatherDavidEpps@aol.com or at www.ChristTheKingCEC.com.]

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