CHURCH @ THE STRIP CLUB/BAR (part 2)

Jack & Sharon Ninaber

Jack doesn't preach a sermon but instead arranges for guests to share stories that are uplifting and inspire hope, optimism and courage, maybe even faith if God. Sharon and Jack and their colleagues arrive on Sunday to host Church at the Manor. They are the church; the church in action. They lay out an array of sumptuous food for a 12:30 pm start; set up the venue chairs so they can see the speaker and the worship leaders; cover up the 'girlie' posters; hang a few engaging pieces appropriate to the purpose and the people come, seventy to one hundred people, who would never be found in a conventional church. Among those attendees are people who in recent months have put their trust in Christ, have even been baptized to declare that faith. They are the church too -  the Church at the Manor.

Some folk in nearby chapels and churches have said that what's happening at the Manor is not really church. I understand the reticence. It's that to which these recent articles have been speaking. I have stated before that church happens anywhere. Church is not a building even though in common idiom we associate the word that way. As Jack puts it, "For us, it's not telling people to go to church. It's telling people they can have a relationship with Jesus. Even in a bar."

Many who come, walk the short distance from Sue's Inn next door, a transitional housing unit for homeless folks who are struggling with additions or are recently out of jail and want to be clean and free. That's owned by Roger Cohen who also owns the Manor. Jack Ninaber has also extended his invitation to patrons of the downtown Drop-In Centre and to anyone in the city who wants to take part in a different kind of worship. He'll provide transportation to drop-in clients.

You may feel like you would like to help this effort, this ministry. Someone in Vancouver financed a Christmas meal for them this year. I am sure they would welcome you financial help and your prayers. If you care to correspond with Jack and/or Sharon about this ministry you can reach them at manor@ercf.ca

Here are some links to the story when the work began:

From the New York Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/canadian-gentlemen-club-turns-christian-church-service-easter-sunday-article-1.1764141

From the Guelph Mercury:  http://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/4478076-guelph-strip-club-becomes-church-on-sundays/

CTV News Kitchener:  http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/guelph-gentlemen-s-club-to-start-hosting-church-service-1.1784066

From the Guelph Tribune:  http://www.guelphtribune.ca/community/easter-with-difference-at-church-at-the-manor/