They get it wrong with the wrong spirit...

Churches are resorting to carnality in their efforts to attract younger members.

Some have even taken to offering beer during services.

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 A growing number of churches across the country have taken to serving beers and ales as a means of attracting younger members.

  Other congregations ditch the sacred space entirely and flock to the local pub, preferring neither water nor wine, but perhaps a nice IPA.

In Fort Worth, Texas, Church-in-a-Pub gets churchgoers in the spirit, so to speak. 

Worship leaders hold communion at the bar and even sing hymns and songs of praise. 

Phil Heinze, who is part of Calvary Lutheran Church's bold new initiative, said that the idea is to spark curiosity in those around.

"I'm interested in having people have significant relationships around Jesus," he told NPR. "And if it turns out to be craft beer, fine."

A parish in Portland, Ore., does much the same. First Christian Church holds an event called "Beer & Hymns" once a month, attracting about 100 swilling and singing young people.

To keep things in check, the church enforces a two-beer maximum. 

The casual environment, far from the notions of being in your starched Sunday bests, lends itself to attracting those who wouldn't be seen sitting in a pew.

Even New York — a hallowed haven for microbrews and craft beers — has ministries centered around brewskis.

 Theology-on-Tap NYC , which came to the city in 2000, takes questions of eternal life and false prophets and puts them in the most unorthodox of settings — an Irish pub.

The group says on its website that it is "in perfect alignment with the Pope," explaining that the Holy Father commands that the Gospel of Christ should be taken to where the people are.
 
The event is held at Connolly's Bar on W. 45th St. in Manhattan every Sunday, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

 bstebner@nydailynews.com