Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Q Place?

A Q Place is for discussing QUESTIONS about God. The Q in Q Place is for questions. It’s a place where you come to know God, others, and what you believe about God in a small group made up of two to twelve people, who get together on a regular basis to discuss spiritual topics about life, God and the Bible.

Who can participate in a Q Place?

Anyone can participate in a Q Place who is willing to explore spiritual topics in an ongoing small group discussion. A desire to seek God is the only prerequisite.

Why would someone want to participate in a Q Place?

There are very few places that someone who is spiritually curious can safely explore spiritual topics and learn more without being told what to believe. A Q Place provides a non-threatening environment to discuss spiritual matters, based on three main components: effective curriculum, trained facilitators, and time-tested group discussion guidelines.

What if I don’t know anything about the Bible or believe it’s true?

You don’t need to know anything about the Bible or believe it’s true. The Tough Questions discussion series will introduce one or two verses from the Bible for discussion and reflection in many sessions. When you are ready, a Q Place enables you to examine the Bible for yourself (through our study guides) over time and determine for yourself whether it’s true and what relevance it may have to your life.

Can I come once and just check it out?

Yes, that’s actually how it works. We recommend you come once and check it out. The first Q Place gathering is actually called the “trial meeting” because we want participants and initiators to have the freedom to check out this type of group discussion and decide if it’s something you want to continue in participation.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes! That’s how Q Places grow – by bringing additional friends that might be interested in ongoing spiritual discussions. These are open groups that encourage new people to join. Q Places are relentlessly inclusive.

How many people are typically in a Q Place?

A Q Place is typically a group of two to twelve people, including two or three initiators. When it gets larger than that, we encourage the group to form two separate groups so that each participant can have adequate time to share his or her own thoughts and ideas.

Where and when does a Q Place meet?

Q Places meet wherever and whenever it is convenient to the participants. Allow at least one hour and ideally one and a half hours for each session. Q Places meet in homes, coffee shops, work places, and anywhere people normally gather.

How is a Q Place different from an Alpha group?

While an Alpha group has an expert who lectures on topics about Christianity, a Q Place is not for experts and is an informal discussion without any lecture. Q Place consists of a series of questions that help participants self-discover truths about God and the Bible. An Alpha group usually meets in a church and has a team of people preparing dinner beforehand; a Q Place can meet anywhere and only needs 2-3 initiators. While an Alpha group goes through a specific curriculum that is a ten-week overview of Christianity, a Q Place decides as a group what they will discuss and study. A Q Place would more likely reach people who wouldn't consider coming to a church. In addition, some who have gone through an Alpha course might be more interested in then using Q Place guides to self-discover more about God and the Bible. So it could be that Q Place fits before and after Alpha. Todd Hunter, former president of Alpha USA, says, "It used to be, in the not too distant past, that spiritual explorers and seekers listened their way into faith. Today people are talking and observing their way into faith. This requires a community of people living out their faith while offering hospitality in the form of listening. Q Place is on the leading edge of God's loving response to this shift in culture."