Should a Christian Work as a Bartender?
The question of whether a Christian should work as a bartender is one that does not have a definitive yes or no answer according to the Bible. There are several factors to consider when evaluating if this type of work would be appropriate for a follower of Christ. Looking at principles from Scripture can help provide wisdom and guidance when making this decision.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Bartender
First, it is important to understand what the day-to-day responsibilities of a bartender entail. A bartender’s main roles include taking drink orders, preparing and serving alcoholic beverages, mixing drinks, checking identification, accepting payment, cleaning glasses, stocking the bar, and chatting with customers. There are often late hours and weekend shifts. In some cases, bartenders may be exposed to drunken behavior, foul language, inappropriate advances, and potentially dangerous situations. A bartender is responsible for monitoring how much alcohol customers consume and must refuse service to intoxicated patrons. Depending on where one works, a bartender may be surrounded by and serve people participating in drunkenness, which is repeatedly condemned in Scripture (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3). A Christian must decide if they are comfortable being closely associated with these types of environments.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
The Bible warns against causing a fellow believer to stumble by our actions (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9). For some Christians, working at a bar could go against their conscience or be a spiritual stumbling block. If a weak or younger Christian’s faith would be harmed by knowing a fellow believer servers alcohol, this should be carefully considered. One’s freedom in Christ is limited by how it affects other Christians. However, for other mature Christians, their faith may not be affected negatively by working in a bar. Praying for wisdom and discernment is important when evaluating if this job could unintentionally cause a stumbling block.
Being “In” But Not “Of” The World
Jesus calls believers to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16). Christians should strive to be separate from the sinfulness around them yet still reach people for Christ. Working at a bar puts one directly in the midst of an environment often given over to excess. Can a Christian be a light and live out their faith effectively in that setting? Or would they be conforming too much to the values and behaviors of those around them? Seeking godly counsel can help assess if one can uphold Christian values and conduct themselves appropriately without being negatively influenced.
Opportunities to Minister & Build Relationships
For some Christians, working as a bartender could provide opportunities to connect with and minister to people they may not interact with otherwise. Developing relationships with coworkers and patrons, being a listening ear, and sharing Christ’s love through actions and words when appropriate could be possible. But there is also a risk of excessive exposure to sinful influences dulling one’s own spiritual sensitivity. Wisdom is needed to determine if the positives outweigh the risks. Each Christian must follow their conscience and evaluate if they can personally handle being in this environment without compromise.
Things to Consider
There are other factors to weigh when considering working as a bartender.
– Will you be pressured to behave in ways contrary to biblical standards? Can you resist temptation?
– Will you be expected to work at times that interfere with church attendance and spiritual growth?
– Does your bar engage in unethical practices?
– Will you be expected to participate in objectionable entertainment?
– Will serving alcohol cause you to stumble and drink excessively?
– Does your motivation include greed or a love of money? Is the income worth moral compromise?
– Will you be unable to find alternate employment that better aligns with Christian values?
Seeking God’s Will
In the end, determining if bartending is an appropriate occupation for a Christian requires seeking God’s wisdom in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and considering how it will impact Christian witness and example. The decision may differ between mature and less mature Christians. Total abstinence from alcohol may make bartending inappropriate, while others’ faith may not be affected. Careful reflection, godly counsel, and listening to the Spirit’s leading is key when deciding if bartending is a permissible job option.
Bible Verses on Alcohol Consumption and Drunkenness
While the Bible does not specifically prohibit alcohol consumption entirely, it does condemn drunkenness and excess. Scripture calls believers to sobriety, restraint, and wisdom when partaking of alcohol. The following verses provide principles applicable to evaluating bartending as an occupation.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (Proverbs 23:20-21)
Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. (Isaiah 5:11)
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks. (Isaiah 5:22)
Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)
These verses urge caution and self-control when it comes to alcohol. While moderate drinking may not be prohibited, anything leading to drunkenness or lack of self-control is strongly warned against. Christians should carefully examine if being in an environment that frequently leads others into excess may be unwise or compromise their witness.
Principles of Christian Freedom and Conscience
The Bible provides principles about navigating gray areas and exercising Christian freedom and conscience. The following verses are relevant when considering questionable occupations.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. (Romans 14:13)
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (Romans 14:12-13)
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23)
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)
Believers are called to avoid anything that causes others to stumble, only partake in things that glorify God, and not let their Christian freedom become an excuse for sinful behavior. Careful consideration should be made before working in questionable occupations.
A Matter of Christian Conscience and Wisdom
In summary, Scripture does not definitively prohibit or permit working as a bartender. Much depends on the maturity level of one’s faith, potential for stumbling blocks, and the unique circumstances of each situation. Every Christian must prayerfully evaluate their own conscience and use wisdom in making this decision. While bartending does involve serving alcohol, it may provide opportunities to minister in unique settings. Other Christians may feel the risks are too high. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance while examining biblical principles is key when determining if bartending is an appropriate occupation for a follower of Jesus Christ.