Question & Response
In our services today we kick off Q&R. I thought I’d tak a moment to give you some information about the why, the how and the what of Q&R.
Why
There are two main reasons that I like doing Q&R (when I say like, I mean that I think it’s valuable, not necessarily that I enjoy it)
1. Learning Styles – we each have varying learning styles. Q&R gives opportunity for learning in a manner different to a straight sermon. Not only that, but it targets learning to our particular questions. We learn best when teaching engages with our needs.
2. Learning in Community – The Bible was written for communities. The New Testament letters were likely read aloud to the church, followed by a time of questioning the letter’s deliverer, and then further discussion ensued. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Q&R provides an opportunity for that sharpening. We can take that even further – continuing to discuss questions raised (and responses) over the meal to enhance learning and sharpen each other up.
How
Q&R is facilitated through Slido. To access the place to ask questions, you can either go to slido.com and enter the code JAC9 or JAC 4, or you can use one of these QR codes.
9 am
4 pm
The preacher will be asked questions by a separate person, who may also provide responses as it’s fitting.
What
By what, I wanted to lay out some helpful ground rules for engaging in this space so that it is healthy and helpful for people.
1. We engage to ask genuine questions, not to try and “stump the preacher”. While stumping the preacher may be fun, if it’s not genuine, it takes away from the space we are creating. There will be enough genuine questions that are challenging for the preacher, and a valid response from the preacher may be to say – “I need to consider that further before I respond”
2. We use this platform for the good of our community, not for pursuing our own agendas
3. We use it for Q&R, not for giving the preacher direct feedback on the sermon itself. Such feedback is always welcome but is best done in a private conversation.
I’m really looking forward to learning with you each week as we come to God’s Word to learn from Him and from one another. May God make us more and more like Jesus as a result!
In Grace and Truth,
Ron