Presentations
Remaining true to the tradition of Q, our speakers will present their big idea or expression in concise, 18-minute or less format to the Q community. Each session includes back-to-back presentations, creating intense and fast-paced exposure to numerous ideas, while seamlessly challenging presenters to stimulate one provocative thought that inspires dialogue and action.
Discover the Rescued
Soledad O'Brien | CNN
Jonathan Olinger | Discover The Journey
The 7.0 earthquake in Haiti devastated millions of lives. Compassion-fatigued American's have become over saturated. The natural questions ensue. Can Haiti change? Is there hope for Haiti's most vulnerable children? Through the power of a documentary platform, the lives of two Haitian orphans are elevated and their stories told. CNN Correspondent Soledad O'Brien and Discover The Journey's Jonathan Olinger open the world's eyes to the complexities of caring for children in the midst of one of the greatest disasters the world has ever seen.
Bonhoeffer
Eric Metaxas | Author and Commentator
As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer - a pastor and author. After writing the first biography on him in over forty years, Eric Metaxas ensures we remember a man determined to do the will of God radically, courageously, and joyfully - even to the point of death.
Songwriting & Theory
Ryan O'Neal | Sleeping at Last
David Hodges | Grammy Award Winning Songwriter
The medium of song has a way of touching emotions that are often hidden beneath the surface. Using stories and melodies, songs connect us, remind us, and inspire us; they are with us when we mourn and when we celebrate. How is this ancient art form progressing and what does its evolution tell us about ourselves and our world?
Art for the Common Good
Dayton Castleman | Artist
Art has the ability to arrest us - causing us to pause, take a second look and reflect. When applied to a public canvas using large-scale sculptures or riveting art installations, the reactions are even more nuanced. Peek inside the mind of Dayton Castleman, an artist who prefers to work in site-specific constructive art and who hails from a family of pastors, authors and theologians. What does aesthetic stewardship look like in a world desperate for beauty and meaning?
Renewing a City
Wayne Gordon | Pastor, Lawndale Community Church
When Wayne Gordon and his wife started a Bible study for high school kids in North Lawndale, Chicago, people warned them that a white couple moving into a black neighborhood was a recipe for disaster. Today, what began as a Bible study has become the Lawndale Community Church. It now has over 1000 worshipping families, has helped more than 200 young people graduate from college, aided in the rehab of over 400 units of abandoned homes, runs a health care ministry that treats 120,000 patients a year, and has become a vital part of rebuilding an inner-city neighborhood into a community of faith and hope. Lawndale offers an exciting model for interracial cooperation, urban-suburban church partnering - and real hope for the inner cities of our nation.
Advancing the Common Good
Jon Tyson | Trinity Grace Church - Manhattan
The common good is defined as - "the most good for all people." Aristotle first conceived it, but Thomas Aquinas, a thirteenth-century Roman Catholic philosopher, honed it well as a Christian conception for how Christians ought to live alongside others who were different in society. This strict definition of the common good doesn't prefer one human being over another; instead, it values all human life and wants what is best for all people - Christian or not. As we leave Q Chicago, how can we remain rooted in the Gospel as we advance the common good?
The Humanity of the Robot
Rosalind Picard | Professor, MIT Media Laboratory
Why build
robots with emotional abilities? Should humanity feel threatened by
technology that looks like us and has some abilities that people think
are for humans only? What does it mean when a renowned roboticist (who is
human) claims "I am a robot?" See some of the latest technologies from
laboratories, no longer science fiction, that look like us and recognize
some of our emotions. Are we merely machines?
The Story of Justice
Gregg Helvey | Oscar Nominated Film Director
Gregg Helvey
spent months during India's rainy season trying to cast the perfect
child to play Kavi, a young boy trapped in modern-day slavery. That was
only the beginning of a long journey to seeing his vision come to life.
Never before had the issue of modern-day slavery been brought to the
screen in narrative form, but over the next two years, Gregg's short
film would garner worldwide attention. Following his evening at the
Academy Awards, celebrating his Oscar nomination just one month ago,
Gregg chronicles the importance of creating the cultural good you know
you were supposed to make.
Saving Marriage Before it Starts
Mark
Regnerus | Sociology, University of Texas
While Christians often
bemoan the state of marriage in America and groan about shifting sexual
norms, there are structural reasons--some that have nothing inherently
to do with sex or marriage--that have accelerated such changes. It's
actually become socially more difficult--not just personally more
challenging--to withhold sex before marriage. Recognizing the economics
and market dynamics of modern romantic relationships can make all the
difference. Hear how you can save marriage before it starts.
Resetting a Creative Economy
Richard Florida | Urban Theorist and Author
The current economic crisis isn’t just temporary setback, but symbolic of something much bigger; a moment that will forever alter our economy, society and how we live. In this keynote presentation at Q, Richard Florida will explain why recession is the mother of invention and root this concept in historical precedence. He will bring unique insights from his years of research on America’s “creative class” and describe the role creativity plays in shaping current culture. Richard Florida’s is the author of two global best-sellers, The Rise of the Creative Class and Who's Your City?
The Both/And of the Gospel
Timothy Keller | Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church
The 21st century church often polarizes itself into those who are culturally engaged, missionally minded and socially involved and those who emphasize the preservation and preaching of orthodox doctrine and evangelism. The former accuse the latter of truncating the story of God's purposes in this world. The latter believe that in reaching for cultural relevance the former are letting go of Biblical truth. Both groups are right in their concerns and wrong in their response.
The Future of Education
Sajan George | Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal
A century old debate continues to rage on in America about how best to educate our children. Some insist privatization is the solution while others fight for the neighborhood school to be reinvigorated - offering equal earning opportunities and no child left behind. But is America forever to lose ground to emerging giants like China and India who only need to educate a fraction of its population well to flood the world with the next generation of innovation, creativity and promise? How could American education, like American culture, become dominant in the global world again? Is it possible?
Did Jesus Preach the Gospel?
Scot McKnight | New Testament Scholar and Author, The Jesus Creed
The most influential piece of literature in the twentieth century was the gospel tract. Why? Because it reduced the gospel to sound bytes and because it has framed how many Christians now understand the gospel message. What might surprise us is that the central idea of Jesus' teaching--the coming kingdom of God--does not appear in any of the gospel tracts. Why is that? Have we only relied on Paul's version of the gospel? Is it possible, many are asking, to combine the gospel of Paul with the gospel of Jesus? Which leads to this question: What is the gospel? And to this one: Did Jesus himself preach the gospel or not?
Responding to Our Fatherhood Crisis
Roland Warren | National Fatherhood Initiative
The federal government spends $100 billion dollars every year on programs such as child support enforcement and anti-poverty efforts directed at supporting father-absent homes. What happened to fatherhood in America? Over 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers—contributing to poverty, maternal and infant health, incarceration, crime, teen pregnancy, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and education. How can Christians address this crisis?
The End of Christian America
David Aikman | Historian and Author
Newseek’s April 2009 cover story pronounced “The End of Christian America.” Could it be true? Is it possible that the Judeo-Christian America many Christians have grown accustomed to is gone forever? If so, what is the fallout for the church and the average American Christian? Is there any way that the increase of pluralism in the public square could be a good thing for the faith? Historian and biographer David Aikman applies his historic lens to the new normal of American culture and offers a glimpse into what the future may hold for Christianity.
The Next Christians
Gabe Lyons | Q Creator
We live in a postmodern, pluralistic, post-Christian setting. And while that could be disconcerting for some, Gabe Lyons sees horizons of opportunity for the gospel to go forward in new, yet historic ways. The question is how. What does cultural engagement look like? Can we stay grounded in the gospel, yet winsome and credible to wider society? Gabe explores a few of the marks of the next generation of Christians who are turning the unChristian perception problem on its head.
Being Provoked to Engage
Jo Saxton | Leadership Consultant
For decades, it’s been described as “holy” and “disciplined” for Christians to remove themselves from anything corrupt, evil or broken about society. But Christians are left wondering how to navigate the terrain of being salt and light in a twenty-first century world. How are followers of Christ called to respond to sin and corruption found all around them? Do we run towards it or preserve our purity and holiness in the midst of a fallen world?
Conversations on Being a Heretic
Scot McKnight interviews Brian McLaren
It’s no secret. Some Christian leaders have been adamant, and others
speculative, that Brian McLaren’s views are heretical. In this Q
conversation, Scot McKnight will explore what all the outrage is about,
asking Brian to clarify his views on matters consequential to theology
and the church. Brian will have ample opportunity to respond to
questions he’s never before answered as the two model civility in a
discussion with serious implications.
Engaging Islam
Buddy Hoffman | Pastor, Grace Fellowship Atlanta
Currently, roughly one in four humans is a Muslim and the religion of Islam is growing faster than any other world religion today. Its new worldwide dominance combined with predictions of future growth (largely based on birth rates alone) show Islam overtaking Christianity by 2035 in its total number of adherents. What is it about Islam that is so attractive to the spiritual seeker? Is there allowance within Islam to be a true follower of Jesus? And is it possible to share the Good News of Jesus to our Muslim friends through the Koran itself?
Observing the Sabbath
Matthew Sleeth | Environmentalist
Are Christians really supposed to keep the Sabbath, or is that just an Old Testament idea with no meaning in our world today? If we did, what would be the effect on our families, our health, our consumption and our world? Matthew Sleeth helps us imagine what role the Sabbath might play in a restored life in the twenty-first century.
Recovering the Ancient Practices
Phyllis Tickle | Author and Editor, The Ancient Practices Series
In the busyness of life today, many Christians lose sight of the
disciplines, or practices, that keep them grounded. Participating in
culture, as salt and light, demands an anchor point found only in the
disciplined life. A few of these practices carry serious
countercultural weight in a consumer driven society.
Don't Eat the Food
Sean Womack | Brand Consultant
What is it about the temptation and flattery of moderate individual success that pushes us to want more? How do we engage culture, yet remain grounded in Christ? Sure, talk of cultural engagement receives a warm response from a new generation searching for how faithfulness plays out for them. But are there downsides or pitfalls that come with engaging culture? We could be silent on them—or expose them for the frauds they are.
People of the Second Chance
Mike Foster | Founder, Ethur
Everyone longs for redemption, but in a cynical culture it can sometimes be hard to find. From Tiger Woods to Bernie Madoff, the world is entertained and gratified by a great moral collapse. Something in us feels like we are just a little bit better. But where does that come from? How does tough love and confrontation come into play for the Christian? Are there some people or situations that should be off limits to a second chance?
Evolution of a Voice
Bryan Coley | Screenwriter and Producer
Oftentimes we hear that culture is shaped by the Arts, but few of us understand how that really takes place. Bryan, a veteran screenwriter and playwright, brings twenty-years of film and entertainment experience to the discussion, illustrating how the Arts have shaped society’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors over the last forty years. He’ll conclude by describing the opportunities and pitfalls for Christians bold enough to engage the medium.
Collaborating in Community
Charles Lee | Ideation Strategist
So much hype around the idea of collaboration, but what is it really? How do we work alongside others and advance their projects even if it doesn’t advance our own? The opportunity for cultural goods and ideas to move forward, based purely on an ability to create collaborative environments, is tremendous. If Andy Crouch’s maxim—that culture is created in groups of two or three, and made better by twelve—is true, it’s helpful to know how all that works—practically—for the everyday leader or entrepreneur.
Social Activism
Antonio Carlos Costa | Activist, Rio de Janeiro
What does activism look like in the life of a Christian? From Wilberforce to Martin Luther King Jr., there are a wide range of historic precedents to look to for wisdom. Should we expose the evil in the world by unapologetically throwing it the face of our cities or slowly and methodically work towards systemic solutions to the corruption we face? In Brazil, Antonio Carlos Costa has had to decide that for himself. And the result has been inspiring.
Land of a Thousand Hills
Jonathan Golden | Social Entrepreneur
The struggle for many cultural leaders today is to find harmony between their talents, their burdens, and their faith. But when these three combine, the power to shape the world in every sphere of society shows up in a major way. From the fields of Rwanda to the streets of Atlanta—redemption is being tasted in the form of bean-processing and latte-sipping. Jonathan Golden shares about his for-profit business that’s changing lives and fulfilling more than just one person.
Human Centered Design
David Blanchard | IDEO
What is the future of innovation? For decades, good design has been built around efficiency and optimization. But the leading companies in the world are now putting away the statistics and emphasizing listening to people. Why have they changed? And what can we learn from it?
Overcoming the Faith and Science Divide
Alister McGrath | Theologian and Author
When a faithful scientist carefully confronts the new atheists about their embarrassing ignorance of Christian theology, is the attitude of the church toward modern science a help or a hindrance? Alister McGrath, a former atheist and scientist, now a prominent theologian, shares his inside perspective on the benefits of Christians and science getting along.
The Bible in Society
Q Panel
Interpreting the Bible has become a divisive issue for some and little more than sport for others. Some want to talk about the "authority" of Scripture. They're asking questions like, "How is the Bible authoritative in our lives today?" Others are wondering if the word "inerrancy" is making a comeback. Is it? Or is the term only useful for theological debates, to separate those who are "in" and those who are "out"? How then should we interpret the Bible as God's word for our culture today?
Relief and Redevelopment
Roger Sandberg | Medair
With natural disasters looming as a constant, yet unforeseeable threat in our own land and to our global neighbors, how can we best participate in long-term recovery? In this presentation, Roger Sandberg, Vice President of Medair International, will help us chart out the difference between rescue, relief and redevelopment efforts and give us a scope for where the American church can contribute to these efforts in the most sustainable ways.
The Church and the City
Charles Jenkins | Pastor, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Chicago
The church should be a positive force for advancing the common good for all people in their city. In Chicago, this kind of work has been happening for over two centuries. From Dwight L. Moody's first efforts to care for the welfare of the port sailors and saloon keepers to today's work by leaders throughout the city of Chicago to restore and renew their society, Chicago is a model city for the conversations taking place at Q. Charles Jenkins is one leader who sits at the nexus of church, government and social action taking place throughout their city. His perspective will give you a unique glimpse into what we all have to learn from city like Chicago.