BEER & GOD: PASTOR DENNIS KANG

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Matthew 18:20

Image courtesy of City Light Church

​ As I continue to dedicate my time to the evaluation of craft beer through the Cicerone Certification Program, I have also placed a measurable commitment to the study of the Christian Bible. Through my walk and communion with the Lord, I strive to attend mass daily, mediate on pastor sermons and volunteer in faith-based activities. Most fascinating of all is my involvement with Bible study. This devotional practice has given birth to new brothers and sisters through the bond of community fellowship. By holding each other accountable to the Word, I have been welcomed into a new spiritual family beyond the Bobadilla/Hernandez tribe. One such family I live with in Christ Jesus meets every Wednesday night in the skyscrapers of L.A., just above the legendary The Last Remaining Book Store and across the street from Buzz Wine Beer Shop, on Spring and 5th. The intimate setting is hosted by Dennis Kang in his comfy office, which is always stocked with finger snacks and thirst quenching beverages with an ABV%. You might have rubbed elbows with him at a downtown coffee shop or walked next to him along the mean streets of L.A.’s thick smog. From his modesty and humility, you would never assume the youngful Korean-American is lead minister at City Light Church, or that he leads a fellowship group called Beer and God – all from the heart of our City of Angels. I recently had the privilege to speak with Dennis and learn about his group, his journey of faith and his thoughts regarding craft beer in popular culture. Tell us about your Beer and God group! How does it further your spiritual growth or relationship with God? The Beer and God group is simply a group I started to reach people outside of the church. Often, unchurched people feel like Christians are judgmental and have a strict set of rules that they must live by. Beer and God gives people an opportunity to learn about the gospel in a non-threatening environment. That is fantastic! Several states throughout the country have given rise to Pub Churches. How do these worship settings positively affect the community, if at all? I think pub churches are one of many ways that Christians are trying to engage culture. I think it can be a positive thing as long as its one of many ways we try to engage with people outside of the traditional church. Church certainly is more than a place but the place can be an important starting point in engaging in a conversation about who Jesus is and what the people of God are really about. Why is God important to our society or our development as humans? Ultimately God is our Maker, Redeemer and Lover. When we detach ourselves from God we are left with ourselves and our man-made gods that will ultimately disappoint us. Re-connecting to God offers a way of forgiveness for our past faults, renewal and ultimate hope. Aside from our past, where is Christian culture going in the next five years? I'm not entirely sure where the culture is going in the next five years. I think there is a growing trend away from religious institutions. People are increasingly not defined by single categories and are open to a variety of perspectives. There is more of a global perspective on issues and more of a desire for equality and tolerance. Speaking of categories, mixed perspectives and tolerance, many breweries across America use Christian iconography to market and promote their brands. How does this affect the way secular society view believers? I'm not sure it makes a big difference. Many people see Christian iconography as a relic of the past. It may be appealing more to Christians than non-Christians.

Thank you for connecting with me, Dennis. I wanted to thank you Paul for the interview. My hope is that we can engage our culture for Christ.

As a graduate of UCLA and Westminster Seminary, Dennis’ joy to share the good news of Lord God is deep rooted in respect, compassion and love. His round eyes, accented by black-rimmed glasses, charismatic body language and captivating spirit, reveal a gentle yet firm man who sincerely wants to make a positive impact on human life by assembling disciples for Christ. On Sunday October 18th, City Light Church hosted Jazz, Beer and God at their home base in the Arts District. Between a spectacular musical set from Eric Patterson Trio, Dennis takes center stage to reintroduced Jesus’ ministry as revealed in John Chapter two and five. Again, I am at awe. Downtown, and Los Angeles at large, are blessed to have a man full of passion, life and God. For more information about City Light Church, please attend service and visit their website City Light Church.