Faith & Friends on Tap: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Brewing Faith: How Faith & Friends On Tap is Redefining Church

In Milford, Ohio, something extraordinary is brewing. At Little Miami Brewing Company, a Fresh Expression of church called “Faith & Friends On Tap” is changing the way people experience faith and community. By gathering in the relaxed, communal setting of a brewery, this initiative reaches those who might never walk through the doors of a traditional church. It’s a space for the “nones” and “dones”—those without a religious affiliation or who have left traditional church settings—to explore faith, ask questions, and build relationships in an authentic and approachable way.

“The church isn’t a building. It’s wherever people gather to seek God and share life.”

Faith & Friends On Tap is part of the broader Fresh Expressions movement, which believes “church can happen anywhere.” This story of innovation and transformation is an invitation for pastors and leaders everywhere to imagine new ways to share the Good News and build meaningful community.

The Spark: Why Faith & Friends On Tap Began

The vision for Faith & Friends On Tap was born out of a deep awareness of the growing disconnect between traditional church models and the needs of the community. Milford, like many towns, is home to people longing for connection but hesitant to engage with formal church settings. The leaders saw an opportunity to meet people where they were—not by asking them to come to church but by bringing church to them.

“We noticed so many people didn’t feel comfortable walking into a church building,” shared a local pastor involved in the initiative. “But we also knew that faith isn’t confined to four walls. We wanted to create a space where people could explore God in a way that felt natural and authentic.”

Starting something so unconventional came with its challenges. Some questioned whether a brewery could serve as a sacred space. Others worried it wouldn’t be “churchy” enough. But the leaders embraced the spirit of incarnational mission, meeting people in the everyday spaces where life happens. They were inspired by passages like Matthew 28:19-20, which calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and Hebrews 13:2, which reminds us to show hospitality to strangers, knowing that in doing so, we might entertain angels.

Meeting Real Needs in a Real Community

Faith & Friends On Tap intentionally focuses on creating a space for those who feel disenchanted by or disconnected from traditional church. For many, life’s demands, past hurts, or spiritual doubts have made church attendance seem impossible or unappealing. But these barriers dissolve in the casual, welcoming environment of a brewery.

Here, attendees gather around tables rather than pews. There are no formal sermons, just open conversations about faith, life, and community. “This feels like a place where I can be myself and ask real questions,” shared a regular attendee of Faith & Friends On Tap. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.”

This approach reflects the Fresh Expressions principle of contextual relevance—designing church to fit the cultural and relational needs of a specific community. By listening to their neighbors and creating an inviting, non-judgmental space, Faith & Friends On Tap has become a lifeline for many in Milford.

A Model of Transformation

The impact of Faith & Friends On Tap is profound. Relationships are flourishing, faith is growing, and lives are being transformed. A participant at Faith & Friends On Tap described it as “a place where strangers become friends and friends become family.” These gatherings have reminded people that church isn’t about a building or rituals but about creating a community of love, as Henri Nouwen so beautifully said: “We are called to be a community of love, where each person is valued and nurtured.”

This initiative embodies the Fresh Expressions journey: listening, loving, building community, and exploring discipleship. By listening to the needs of their community, loving their neighbors through radical hospitality, and creating spaces for genuine connection, Faith & Friends On Tap exemplifies what it means to be the church in today’s world.

Pouring Out Hope: How You Can Join the Movement

Faith & Friends On Tap is a shining example of how Fresh Expressions can transform communities. But what makes it truly inspiring is its accessibility. You don’t need a large budget, a big team, or a perfect plan to start a Fresh Expression. All it takes is a willingness to listen, to love, and to take the first step.

As John Wesley famously said, “The world is my parish.” Your parish could be a coffee shop, a park, a gym, or even your kitchen table. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Wherever you feel called, you can create a space where people experience the grace and love of Christ in a way that feels real and relevant.

So, what’s stopping you? Take the next step today. Reflect on the needs of your community. Join a Fresh Expressions learning cohort. Dream about what church could look like outside the walls of a sanctuary. Because when we meet people where they are, we discover that God is already there, waiting to do something new.

“Church can happen anywhere. All it takes is an open heart and a willingness to go.”