Beer And The Bible: Zimbabwe’s Most Unusual Christian Fellowship Combines Prayer And Pints

A Harare-based Christian fellowship that combines prayer, scripture and social interaction over a beer is growing, with more people said to be showing interest in what has become one of Zimbabwe’s most unusual fellowship movements.

The initiative, known as Dare reCastle, was founded by Victor Mupoperi, popularly known online as the “Castle Man”. He is a content creator known for promoting responsible beer consumption while engaging with people from different walks of life.

Mupoperi, who is a professional Class 1 journeyman in refrigeration and air-conditioning and also a livestock farmer, says his mission goes beyond a drink. He says it is about creating spaces where people can connect with God in a more relaxed environment.

According to Mupoperi, Dare reCastle was created to remind people that faith remains central regardless of their lifestyle choices.

“The concept is a movement which aims to encourage people that regardless of them drinking or not, God is still the centre of our lives,” he said.

“The reception for now has been good; the people are accepting the word of God, and they really want more of these sessions as they are more relaxed and open than traditional church gatherings.

Mupoperi said he came up with Dare reCastle after a church service when he shared a message with people who were drinking.

“I enjoy drinking a Castle Lager occasionally. The name ‘Castle Man’ was initially given to me when I was walking home from church one day and passed a place where people were drinking and enjoying themselves,” he said.

“After some thought, I joined them and decided to share the word of God with them. I told them that the following week, we would meet at the same place to talk about the word of God because you never know who might need it.”

According to Mupoperi, only about five people turned up on the first weekend. Since then, the numbers have grown steadily, with new visitors joining every Sunday.

“We’ve even had people travelling from different parts of Zimbabwe to attend our weekly gatherings.”

Mupoperi said Dare reCastle follows a familiar structure. The gathering starts with praise and worship, followed by scripture readings and a sermon delivered by a pastor.

The difference comes afterwards, when people share drinks, have conversations and build friendships in a more relaxed setting.

For Mupoperi, the aim is not to put alcohol at the centre of worship, but to reach people who may feel disconnected from traditional church spaces.

More: Chronicle