Who we are

AfterHours Denver is a bar church and homeless ministry that believes in putting more love into the world by providing basic necessities and creating places for authentic relationship. For over 12 years AfterHours has gathered in bars to discuss the deep stuff of life together, celebrate each other, and offer support to one another. When we gather, we make sack lunches and serve them to people experiencing homelessness and poverty the very next day.

AfterHours provides small reminders of unconditional love and hope in the form of basic necessities like lunch, water, and socks so our homeless neighbors can spend their energy on whatever step is next in their journey. We know Jesus would not have us convert the poor to Christ, he’d have us be converted to the poor who *are* Christ. Through relationships with people society has pushed to the side, we've learned to value some things:

relationship over charity
conversation over conversion
curiosity over judgment

We believe in loving boldly and offering ourselves in service. Because in the end you gotta share your life to receive it. AfterHours is a community of individuals from across the socio-economic spectrum with various beliefs, sexual orientations, genders, and backgrounds, Sharing life can happen anywhere and it seems that when we break bread together, serve one another, or sit down at a table with a drink, this kind of sharing comes naturally. Turns out Jesus wants to be there too, so we meet him where he already is: at the bar and in the park.

Learn more about our story

All Are Welcome

We KNOW how many people have been harmed by churches that SAY they are welcoming and then tell ya you’re goin’ to hell either through their words or the way they treat you.

Let us be crystal clear: When we say we welcome all… we mean ALL:

Families of every size, every shape, and every make-up. Every financial scenario including the homeless and the millionaire. The convict, the junkie, and the broken… in whatever way you feel broken. Those that have it all figured out and those that don’t even know if they believe in God. If you’re gay, bi, straight, transgender—any gender—and every variation of sexual orientation or leaning, even if you don’t KNOW what category you fall under, you’re welcome. Those that enjoy throwing back a few adult beverages and those stay away from the stuff for a wide variety of reasons. All those in any stage of recovery from any and all addictions. The able bodied and those that don’t get around nearly as well. Any and all colors of skin, and hair color. You tattooed, or pierced, have gauges or implants of any kind? You have a home with us. We welcome the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess and the criminal. (Tip of the hat to the Breakfast Club). We also welcome the liberal and the conservative; those that voted blue and those that voted red and those that didn’t vote at all. The red meat eating and the vegan are welcome to eat together. If the wheels you own are on a Hummer, a Prius, or a shopping cart… your home can be with us. After all, either all means all… or it doesn’t.

If we didn’t cover you in the above, know you are welcome too. We think this is how Jesus rolled and we are trying to be like him. Simple as that. We hope you come and hang out with us to be kind to others and struggle thru life together.

We think following Jesus is simple. It’s just not easy.

Our Leadership Team

Livia Chamberlin, Chair

My first time participating with AfterHours was Christmas in the Park 2011. I became a regular on Monday nights a few years later and began handing out lunches in the park a few years after that. I love that we meet people where they are, whether that is those who attend AfterHours or those whom we serve. I don't have one favorite drink. It depends on where I am and my mood. I drink something different at each of our AH bars, whether it's liquor, wine, or craft beer.

Jim Francis, Volunteer Coordinator

I've been involved with AfterHours since 2011. What I really enjoy is helping getting new folks involved in serving, whether it is making lunches, or serving lunches to our unhoused friends. Watching someone serving lunches for the first time, helping them through the awkwardness they feel, takes me back through the steps I walked to open up and experience this awesome ministry. As half of "Two Jims Brewing" I have enjoyed beer, and homebrewing. We have been making unusual beer recipes in our kitchen since 2013.

Erika Kirsch, Member-at-Large

I started coming to the bar regularly in early 2018. AfterHours has the most loving, genuine, and supportive community. I love how we approach what we do. We meet people where they are and give them a lunch while we are at it. I love an oaky Cabernet Sauvignon or a velvety Merlot!

Jim McKeever, Treasurer

I have been attending AfterHours regularly since 2011. The most meaningful thing about AfterHours, for me, is the relationships I have built over the years with our friends in the Park. Hearing their stories, walking with them through their challenges, and celebrating their successes with them can’t be beat! My favorite beverage kind of depends on my mood and the time of year, but in general, anything Belgian will get my attention.

Dan Perron, Member-at-Large

I’ve been involved with AfterHours since 2012. Christmas in the park was the initial draw to get more involved. AfterHours puts it’s money where it’s mouth is. It’s more about doing than talking. “Service above self!” I have too many favorite beverages to mention here.

Amanda Tipton, Staff Relations Chair

Hi, I'm Amanda! I was at the inaugural AfterHours at St. Andrew UMC, and I've been a "regular" since 2009. Whether it's our friends in the park or our friends in the bars, the most meaningful parts of AfterHours to me are the quality of our relationships, the quality of our conversations, and the way we strive to look out for one another. My drink of choice changes, but I'll always take an Edradour neat.