Use of alcohol at church functions
Our WELS church permits alcohol consumption at church functions held at our church, and at in-home Bible studies. Why is this allowed if the Bible is very clear that we are to be sober and vigilant, sober and righteous, not to be drunkards, etc.? There are recovering alcoholics in our church and I believe this presents a stumbling block to a brother or sister and even excludes them because of the added stress it causes them to be around a substance that is unnecessary at a church function and harmful to them. This has been brought to the attention of our pastor and congregational leaders, and they support alcohol at church functions and at in-home Bible studies. Your position on this matter would be greatly appreciated as we struggle with maintaining our membership at a church that does not have our best interest at heart.
As I am not knowledgeable of the discussions that have taken place in your congregation, let me respond in a general way.
A starting point is that the Bible condemns the abuse of alcohol not its usage (Psalm 104:15; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Timothy 5:23). While the Bible allows the responsible use of alcohol, 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, along with Romans 14, provide guidance for Christians as they exercise their freedom—including their use of alcohol.
Those chapters from 1 Corinthians and Romans direct Christians to use their God-given freedoms not in their own best interest but in the interests of others. Christian freedom does not mean simply that I have the right to do something. Christian freedom also means that I have the right not to do something if that course of action is better for others. Certainly, not using alcohol because of a concern for others fits that loving exercise of Christian freedom.
I would encourage this kind of scripturally-based conversation in your congregation to address the situations you have described.