Reflections on VITAL: SF East Bay

I was surprised by how much more I was impacted by this second VITAL event in the Bay Area; I had attended the one in March, but because my life is so full, I admit I was tempted to skip this one. Yet it turned out that I was greatly inspired and renewed in the midst of seeking God’s guidance in how I can reach out more to seekers to bring them into our current groups, and in how to start other groups and find leaders.

As I visited with those who were having first experiences with Q Place I heard comments like, “Why haven’t we heard about this before?” I saw tears of joy over the gentle, loving messages of all of the speakers—especially this one: that if Jesus did not come to “condemn,” why do we think we should?

After watching the videos depicting the forming of a real life Q Place, one pastor commented that he was surprised at how many of the groups’ participants had been raised in the church but had since left. Another person responded, “Maybe if these people had been allowed to ask questions before, they might not have left at all.”

I love my long relationship with Q Place and was so encouraged by the enthusiasm and attendance at VITAL.

Mary Gould, West Regional Catalyst

Q Place is hard to describe—it’s such a new way of thinking about sharing our faith. That’s why I love the VITAL conferences—they offer people a chance to really “get it,”  to understand the why, and the what, and the how, of a Q Place ministry.  I had so many great conversations at VITAL with pastors who knew something about Q Place, but who didn’t fully understand it until they participated in this packed day!

I helped out in the bookstore, and got to see people walk away excited about the great materials they had just purchased that would help them grasp the Q Place methodology and concepts, and to inspire and train others in their congregations. As someone who has experienced the excitement of being part of a Q Place group first-hand, I’m so glad that through VITAL, I was able to be a small part of helping others equip their people for this adventure!

Lois Darbonne, West Regional Catalyst

We were so excited to attend VITAL: SF East Bay last week! At the door we were greeted by Heidi Johnson, the Associate Pastor of Danville Community Presbyterian, the church that hosted the event. As Heidi welcomed us, she conveyed her church’s great excitement to be hosting VITAL.

Reggie and I had invited an Oakland pastor who brought along the leader of their men’s group, Michael. Reggie has been walking alongside this group and has shared the introduction of The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations with them, but Michael was very open with Reggie about his apprehension in attending VITAL.

Yet, as Michael became engaged in the conversations at his table, his apprehension began to dissipate. Reggie was able to introduce Michael to a pastor friend, Robert, who has attended multiple VITAL events and led his own Q Place groups. The two men connected as Robert shared some of his personal experience. This helped to melt away even more of Michael’s nervousness and he was able to engage in dialogue and draw from what was being shared at the conference.

Afterward, Michael shared that he was glad that he attended, met people, and learned the things he did. VITAL broadened his perspective on evangelism and helped shift his paradigm in a very positive way. And it was Michael who informed Reggie that it was time for the men’s group to move forward in the next studies of The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations!

Kim and Reggie Archie, West Regional Staff