As the sun rises over the Gulf of America each Sunday, the music from the legendary Flora-Bama honky-tonk doesn't fade.
The lyrics are no longer about a tear in your beer or another broken heart. Instead, they bring tears to the eyes of believers and mend their broken spirits.
It's called "Worship on the Water," and just like any other church, there is a sermon. Pastor Ben Ragsdale said that each week, people are welcomed into the kingdom of God, where they are saved and baptized.
"We operate just as a church would," Ragsdale said. "We just do it in a very uncommon place, with uncommon people and now, we're just seeing uncommon faith kind of take place every single week. We're seeing God really do amazing things, even in a world-famous bar."
Just like that "world-famous bar," everyone is welcome to join—people from all walks of life and from all over the nation. The Flora-Bama offers tourists a place to go for peace and grace while on vacation. There is a 9 a.m. service for the early birds and an 11 a.m. service for those who need a little more time to get ready.
No matter where they're from or what they're going through, Ragsdale said that people can come as they are and leave inspired.
"We teach every Sunday that there's more for you in this Christian life than just existing," Ragsdale said. "You know, Jesus talks about abundant life that we've got access to and that's what we try to do. You should be able to walk into places and experience the Holy Spirit's power wherever you go."
Ragsdale has been in ministry for 23 years and became the official pastor at Worship on the Water in February. He said his experience at church camp as a youth radically changed his life, and he hopes to help others find their way to Christ.
"I used to always hear that if Jesus were walking these streets today, he would be where the hurting are," said Ragsdale. "You know, if Jesus was alive and walking the streets today, he might not only be in your traditional churches. He would be in a bar, and so that's our belief. That's what makes Worship on the Water so special, is we're going to where the people are at."
The ministry will celebrate its 14th year in July.
The ministry has outreach programs, including helping the homeless, the addicted and troubled youth. Ragsdale said that because the Flora-Bama does not charge rent, the church can put all tithes back into the community.
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