My Calling
For years God has been calling me (Jim Cedar) to three things:
1) To bring the hope and life of Jesus Christ to the broken, lost, and hurting people of this world.
2) To help people understand their purpose and to help them develop a passion for life abundantly.
3) To empower and guide people to live out their passion for Jesus.
My Call to Start Bar.Church
Starting Bar.Church is a journey that comes from a deep calling to create a space where faith is lived authentically and freely. It’s about meeting people exactly where they are, embracing the real, unfiltered lives we all lead. I’ve seen countless people searching for a place where they can explore their faith without feeling the pressure to conform to a specific image or lifestyle. Bar.Church is founded on the belief that everyone deserves a space to belong, ask questions, and grow in their faith, no matter where they are on their journey.
I’ve witnessed the struggles of those questioning their faith or recovering from church hurt - people who often feel like they don’t belong. I know that many seeking a relationship with God have felt rejected or misunderstood by the very places that should offer healing and community. Having walked through the pain of church hurt myself, I understand how it can lead to doubts and make you question even your relationship with God.
But I also believe in this: God’s love is unconditional. His invitation to a life of faith is open to everyone - no matter their past, doubts, or struggles. It’s this belief that gave birth to Bar.Church.
I feel called by God to lead a ministry for those who don’t feel at home in traditional church settings or who have been disillusioned by organized religion. This calling is driven by the conviction that everyone should have the chance to experience God’s transformative love and grace - free from barriers, past wounds, or preconceived expectations.
At Bar.Church, we’ve created a space where you can come as you are, without the need to fit into any mold or meet unrealistic standards. Faith here isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live out together with honesty, vulnerability, and grace. We encourage open conversations about faith, doubts, struggles, and everything in between. We don’t shy away from tough questions because we believe God is big enough to handle them all.
Bar.Church is a place for anyone seeking a fresh, welcoming community where they can truly be themselves and feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been on a winding path, we’re here to walk with you, supporting you every step of the way. It’s a space for those looking for something different - where you’re accepted exactly as you are and encouraged to grow at your own pace.
My calling is to create a welcoming, authentic, and transformative space where individuals can encounter the love of Jesus Christ, experience genuine community, and grow in their faith. With a heart full of compassion and a commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and transformation, I am excited to embark on this journey and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who feel disconnected from the institutional church. I trust that through this ministry, many will come to know Christ’s love and discover their place in the family of God.
At Bar.Church, we believe faith should be a life-giving experience - a source of healing, peace, and hope. It’s not about having all the answers or pretending to be perfect. It’s about embracing each other’s imperfections and walking together toward a deeper relationship with God and each other. This is a place where you can experience faith in an authentic, refreshing way - free from judgment, pressure, and the feeling of not belonging.
Whether you’ve been hurt by the church, are questioning your faith, or just need a place to reconnect, you are welcome here. Bar.Church is a safe space for everyone - regardless of age, background, or where they are on their journey. We believe God has a unique purpose for each of us, and we want to help you discover that purpose in a community that supports you.
If you're looking for a place to belong, to ask questions, to grow, and to explore faith in an honest, real way - Bar.Church is here for you.
Bar Church - Casper, Wyoming
Connecting with those who have felt disillusioned and disconnected from traditional church has long been a part of my calling and ministry focus. In 2016, I founded the first Bar Church in Casper, WY, a unique ministry designed to reach individuals who feel more at home in a nontraditional church environment.
CLICK ON THE ABOVE PICTURE TO READ THE ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON JULY 31, 2017 IN THE CASPER STAR TRIBUNE
By holding services in a casual, familiar environment like a bar, we sought to offer a space where people could engage in worship, fellowship, and conversations about faith in a relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere. The bar church at The Black Gold Grille was part of a creative and unconventional approach to ministry, meeting people where they were, both physically and spiritually. It provided a non-traditional setting for those who felt uncomfortable or distant from organized religion, fostering a more welcoming, informal space for community-building.
Why Bar.Church:
Estimates suggest that between 40% and 70% of Americans are considered unchurched or dechurched, depending on how regularly they engage with religious services.
Understanding the distinction between the unchurched and the dechurched is important, as their paths and reasons for disconnection from church life differ significantly. Both groups make up a large portion of the population, highlighting broader trends in religious participation and the evolving landscape of faith in America.
These statistics, along with my own experience of almost stepping away from the church, have inspired the launch of this ministry — one that reaches those who don’t feel at home in a traditional church. This vision is driven by a deep understanding of the need to meet people where they are and a firm belief that by creating a welcoming space, everyone can find a sense of community.
When a local church, Suncrest Christian Church, surveyed thousands of NW Indiana residents about why they don’t regularly attend church, the top response was that they had been hurt by the church. This confirms the need for ministries outside of traditional church spaces.
CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO READ THE SUNCREST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ARTICLE