Weekly barbecue feeds ministry
A new barbecue restaurant in Evans is open just once a week, but its cook hopes the sale of its food helps keep families together for a lifetime.
Every Thursday night, Bible Cathedral Associate Pastor Tim Custer lights the oak wood stoked in the church's big steel barbecue pit. By Friday morning, the barbecued pork is ready to be chopped up and sold from the church's kitchen, with proceeds funding a family support mission founded by Custer.
"It's slowly becoming a happening spot of Friday," Custer said. Barbecue is sold from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday at the church, at 1116 Furys Ferry Road. "It's been great. We've sold out most days," Custer said.
Custer, who entered the ministry after more than 10 years as a Columbia County deputy, says his weekly chef duties are a labor of love - but he's not alone in the kitchen. In addition to providing funding for Total Life Change Ministries, the barbecue sales literally are a family affair.
//
Custer's mom, Joyce - wife of Dr. Jack Custer, Bible Cathedral's pastor - and Deanna Custer, Tim's wife of 11 years, helps serve the pork, cole slaw and other side dishes. Other family and church members often pitch in to help.
Joyce Custer serves up a container of chopped pork
barbecue at Bible Cathedral's weekly barbecue sale.
Staff
The idea to cook barbecue came about after the church obtained its big grill a few months ago, as Tim Custer was looking for a way to raise money for TLC Ministries. He serves as president of the organization, which is separate from Bible Cathedral but run from the same office.
"TLC is a ministry that tries to help couples and families get headed in the right direction," Custer said. The ministry offers classes in marital relationships and divorce, along with parenting, anger management and self-esteem study.
"We just try to let the community know there's an alternative to secular counseling," Custer said. "My thing is just getting something out there Biblically based as an alternative."
The ministry sells barbecue by the sandwich, plate or pound, and Custer makes the tangy sauce. Orders - including those for Friday night or weekend tailgating - may be called ahead to the church, at 863-7090.
People seeking information on TLC Ministries can call 840-2442.