The Bible has much to say about alcohol and its use and abuse. There are over 200 verses that deal with the subject. While there is much we can say, an adequate summary is that the Bible is clear that alcohol use is:
1. Discouraged for pastors and deacons (1 Timothy 3:3, 8)
(A pastor must not be) “… given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not coveteous” (1 Timothy 3:3)
“ Likewise deacons [must be] reverent, not double-tongued, not given too much wine, not greedy for money” (1 Timothy 3:8)
2. Always sin in excess
“ you do not be drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)
3. To be abstain from if it causes others to stumble (Romans 14:21)
“ it is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor [do anything] by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is weak.” (Romans 14:21)
4. Not wise (Proverbs 20:1)
“ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)
In an effort to establish a policy that is biblical, the following is the position of Calvary Chapel Inglewood in regards to alcohol use by pastors, deacons, employees, ministry leaders, and their volunteers:
1. Corporately - alcohol consumption is forbidden at any Calvary Chapel Inglewood sponsored function (both on-site and off-site)
2. Individually - moderation and prudence is strongly encouraged
We simply ask that you exercise wisdom, understanding that just because you can drink, doesn’t mean that you should drink, and that you consider the many circumstances where alcohol use has caused pain and destruction in families, churches, and indeed throughout our community.
We ask that you prayerfully lay aside your liberty to imbibe when such actions may cause a brother or sister to stumble. Also, along those lines please consider Romans 14:21 in your social network postings/pictures.
Your pastor’s heart: I have personally witnessed the destructive power of alcohol on families. I have personally suffered the consequences of alcohol abuse in my own life before coming to Christ. I have seen alcohol destroy churches, families, and friends. In my opinion, alcohol is one of the most destructive substances in our community and anyone who consumes alcohol is playing with fire. Those who think of casual alcohol consumption as being no big deal for ministry leaders are not considering the broader implications of such liberties. It is not always evident that someone is struggling and therefore, prudence is imperative.
In the event your adherence to this policy should come under question, our goal is to prayerfully and graciously listen, exhort, and offer correction to you if needed to ensure the body of Christ is edified and God is glorified. Should excessive or sinful behavior regarding alcohol consumption be observed, some course – correction may be needed, including asking you to step down from your position of service at Calvary Chapel Inglewood in an official capacity.