While ministering in bars, I’ve also been training in hospitals, a setting where everyone is always in a hurry:
Pagers chirp incessantly,
codes and resuscitations sound over the intercoms,
and everyone is perpetually rushing
because every call might be a matter of life and death.
As such, patients in hospitals may also take on the stress of their fast-paced environment (which has a negative impact on patients’ spiritual/emotional health and may make them more irritable toward hospital staff). With doctors, nurses, techs, and patients all feeling the pressure of the pace, a chaplain’s very act of slowing down and listening attentively often brings comfort regardless of what we say; in fact, it’s often better when we don’t say anything at all and focus on listening. When people feel heard, they feel understood, and this all starts with slowing down.

Slowing down is itself a ministry.

While bars may not be as life-and-death as hospitals, I’ve found these spaces just as hectic (especially at happy hour or during special events). With tv screens, smartphones, and new people entering at all times, there are a lot of distractions in a bar, so focus and attention become treasured resources. There is tremendous comfort in being present with someone, so slow down. The person sitting with you deserves your full attention.

Part one of Principles of Bar Chaplaincy. Other parts to come.