Theology on Tap quenches Catholics' thirst for faith

Young adults gather monthly to share fellowship, faith and a brew in Little Rock

Published: August 12, 2014

By Madeline Roberts
Special to Arkansas Catholic

Madeline Roberts

Sophie Moore (right) of Cathedral of St. Andrew Parish in Little Rock talks with Theology on Tap founders David Clement (left) and Shelby Danielsen (center) at the Flying Saucer July 24 before their discussion starts.

Madeline Roberts

Young adult Catholics in Central Arkansas now have the opportunity to learn about their faith in a fun, modern way.

Since January, Theology on Tap has met the fourth Thursday of every month at the Flying Saucer in downtown Little Rock to listen to speakers discuss a range of Catholic topics. Members can enjoy food provided by the group and get a beverage on tap.

According to the group’s founders, Shelby Danielsen, 25, of Christ the King Parish in Little Rock and David Clement, 29, of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Parish in Little Rock, Theology on Tap is providing a much-needed place for young adult Catholics to meet and express their faith.

“We needed a forum like this for young Catholics to get together and socialize,” Clement said.

Danielsen explained that after moving to Little Rock for her job, she quickly noticed a lack of ministry for young adults.

“I’ve always been involved in Catholic organizations, and when I moved here, I couldn’t find one anywhere,” the transplant from Denver said. “I wasn’t meeting any Catholics, and I wasn’t growing in my faith with young Catholics.”

Danielsen tried to get involved with Terra Firma, a group for Catholics in their 20s to 40s at Christ the King, but still had difficulty meeting Catholics her own age. There, she found Clement who also expressed concern.

Theology on Tap — a national program for Catholics 21 to 39 years old — was introduced in Central Arkansas in 2009 and was funded by Little Rock Scripture Study but then disappeared. Danielsen and Clement contacted Matt Glover, vice chancellor of canonical affairs at the Diocese of Little Rock, who had helped run the group in 2009 but couldn’t maintain it because of his schedule.

With funds from LRSS and donations from supporters, Danielsen and Clement were able to bring Theology on Tap back. They could now rent a venue and provide food.

After visiting several restaurants and pubs in the Little Rock area, they decided the modern yet intimate atmosphere of the Flying Saucer would be best.

They set a date for January and began to publicize Theology on Tap, visiting local parishes, creating a Facebook page and advertising in church bulletins. The first speaker was Father Tom Elliott of Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock discussing Theology of the Body.

“I honestly thought like 30 people would come,” Danielsen said.

Much to their surprise, more than 90 young adults showed up. Danielsen and Clement learned they were not the only ones wanting an event for young Catholics.

Since the first gathering, a steady group of about 60 Catholics attends Theology on Tap monthly.

Many of the group’s members share Danielsen and Clement’s opinion about what Theology on Tap provides young adult Catholics — a way to socialize.

Siblings Jon and Joanna Murphy of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in North Little Rock (Marche) had been searching for something they could do for a while.

“We’ve been looking for something like this, just to hang out with people our own age that are also Catholic,” Jon said.

Christian Hapner of St. Joseph Parish in Conway said, “I thought this would do me good and maybe get me more involved than I am.”

Theology on Tap also offers a more casual way to learn about Catholicism. So far, speakers’ topics have ranged from pro-life issues to a breakdown of the Mass.

“Everyone has the same thirst for ‘I really want to learn about my faith’ but not in a textbook way,” Danielsen said.

Father Erik Pohlmeier, pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Parish and assistant vocations director, will address the group Aug. 28. Food is served at 7 p.m. followed by a discussion. Contact Shelby Danielsen at or David Clement at , or visit the Facebook page “Theology on Tap – Central Arkansas.”