Alcohol: Why We Encourage Avoiding It

Of all the health habits a church can talk about, alcohol may be the most sensitive. Christians disagree about whether believers may drink at all. But Scripture and current health research point in the same direction: less is better, and none is best for health.

What the Bible says

Drunkenness is always sin. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). Paul lists drunkenness among “the works of the flesh” (Gal 5:19–21).
Alcohol deceives. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Prov 20:1). Proverbs 23:29–35 gives a vivid picture of how it traps people.
We should not be mastered by anything. “I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Cor 6:12).
Love limits our freedom. “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble” (Rom 14:21). Many people in our churches and neighborhoods are fighting addiction.
Leaders are held to a higher standard. Church leaders must be “sober-minded” and “not a drunkard” (1 Tim 3:2–3; Titus 1:7).

Faithful evangelical Christians hold different convictions here. Some believe Scripture calls for total abstinence; others believe it permits moderate drinking while forbidding drunkenness. Wherever your church lands, these passages give every believer strong reasons to be very careful with alcohol.

What the health research says

Less is better, and none is best. The CDC says drinking less is better for your health than drinking more, and that “even moderate drinking may increase your overall risks of death and chronic disease” (CDC).
Alcohol causes cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2025 advisory links alcohol to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, liver, mouth and throat cancers, and found that fewer than half of Americans know it (HHS).
The federal guidelines agree. The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines say to “consume less alcohol for better overall health” (Dietary Guidelines).
Some people should not drink at all, including anyone who is pregnant or might be, under 21, taking medications that interact with alcohol, has certain medical conditions, or is recovering from alcohol use disorder (CDC).
Empty calories. Alcohol adds calories without nourishment, and often comes with heavy food and poor sleep.

Our encouragement

Avoid it if you can. If you drink, drink less.

If you don’t drink, there is no health reason to start.
If you do drink, cut back. Set limits, choose alcohol-free days, and never drink to cope with stress or sadness. Bring those burdens to God and to trusted friends.
If you’re not sure you can stop, that’s a sign to get help. Talk with your pastor or doctor, or find a recovery ministry like Celebrate Recovery.

For churches

Keep church events alcohol-free, so everyone, including people in recovery, can be fully welcome.
Talk about alcohol honestly, without shame, and point people to help.
Make recovery ministries visible and easy to find.
Ask leaders to model sober-mindedness (1 Tim 3:2–3).

“Be sober-minded; be watchful.” 1 Peter 5:8