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Cutting-edge agent of change

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By Fran Goodrich, Catalyst, San Jose, CA

Do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…! Zechariah 4:10a

There were four groups that first school year of Q Place at my church. I led two, my husband led one, and my parents another. When we took the summer break, all the groups were still going strong, with attendees wanting to come back in the fall for more. Pastor Don was impressed. He started talking to me about coming on staff to do Q Place. I’ve been on staff now for 14 years, and during that time, hundreds of seekers, young Christians and mature Christians, were discipled as they studied the Bible together, many for the first time. I no longer facilitate a group, but instead train others to do it. During the 14 years, over 150 people have been trained to facilitate a Q Place. Not only has Q Place significantly affected my church, it has influenced many others.

And what did Pastor Don H. think about it all?

“Q Place has been a great addition to our church’s program. People have been reached that none of our other programs have reached. Dozens of people are engaging the Word of God through this ministry. Q Place is a cutting edge method. No other ministry in our church develops leaders as fast or as well as Q Place.”

Pastor Don H., San Jose, CA

Starting with the questions…

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By Jeanie Frasch

In February, 1966, Bob and  Shirley led a church plant team of sixty adults and their children in Novi, Michigan. Oak Pointe Church has currently grown to an average weekly attendance of about 3,000.

After several years as senior pastor Bob, and his wife, Shirley, wanted to host an “Explore Group” for seekers in the church. Not only would this group meet the needs of some seekers, but it would also be a noticeable example of the priority the church placed on evangelism. As they were considering what materials to use, they remembered positive experiences with a study in their neighborhood using the Mark discussion guide.  So they were very receptive to looking over the discussion guide called Foundations for Faith.

From the pulpit, Bob extended an invitation to seekers in the church to meet with him and Shirley at their home for ten weekly meetings. They had a lot of takers. As they progressed through the Foundations guide, group members felt comfortable staying late to continue their discussions. Their record was about 1 AM! Bob says it was the most fun he’s had since starting the church. And, yes, almost all of the members of that group came to faith. Oak Pointe Church is now offering Explore Level Groups for seekers on Sunday mornings.  Q Place’s Foundations for Faith is one of the studies that is offered.

Questions that lead to change…

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By Dwight Bailey, Pastor, Church of the Chimes San Jose California

As a pastor my biggest responsibility is to embody the vision that God has given this church for this season which is to make fully devoted followers of Christ, shaping those who are growing and maturing in Christ.  I know I can’t do that on my own.  The ministry of Q Place is so different from anything I have come across in my 14+ years as a pastor–and I have seen a lot of things.  There is such a presence of Christ in this ministry.  It has helped me to learn more about Jesus and how Jesus interacted with people. I have used this method not only in my preaching (which is transformed!), I’ve seen people come to Christ because they have heard the Gospel and have had the opportunity to wrestle with their questions.  I believe the Holy Spirit used this method to draw these people to Himself.  It has changed my marriage coaching and the coaching I do with staff and leaders–I tell them that we all need to learn how to ask better questions because God shows up when we do.  I am so encouraged–thrilled, really–about this partnership because  have seen God work in a number of people’s lives and I want to get in on that.

When something resonates with the heart, people know it.  If Q Place is that ministry then want to encourage you to get involved in a bible study, teach a sermon series on one of the tough questions–that’s what I did–and I tell you we saw more people come to faith during that series at one time than I have seen in the entire time I have been at this church.  The question was “Who is this Jesus?”  So I encourage you, preach a series, get involved in a Q Place ministry, ask questions for yourself so you can figure out how you can go forward in a ministry like this and figure out how to make it you!