Big questions series

Curiosity. Conversation. Community.

A place to ask real questions

A two week conversation series designed for anyone curious about faith, life, and everything in between. These gatherings are not lectures or debates—they’re open, honest conversations in a relaxed setting where all questions are welcome.

Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time, returning after time away, or just curious, this is a space for you.

Event details

When

May 13 and May 20

6:00-7:00 PM Conversation

7:00-7:30 PM Socializing

Where

State of Beer

401 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27603

Atmosphere

Relaxed, social environment

Appetizers provided

Guests are welcome!

Childcare

Optional childcare will be provided at the church with dinner

Night 1: Searching for Meaning, Truth, and Faith

Example Questions:

  • Is meaning something we create or something we discover?

  • Is there such a thing as truth or just perspective?

  • If God exists, why do bad things happen to good people?

  • What do you do when faith doesn’t make sense anymore?

  • Who is Jesus really and why do people still follow Him?

Night 2: The Church, Christians, and Their Role in the World Today

Example Questions:

  • What should the church actually be known for in today’s world?

  • What is the church uniquely positioned to do that other systems can’t?

  • Why do so many people feel judged or hurt by the church?

  • What does it look like to live out faith beyond Sunday?

  • What would it take for the church to rebuild trust?

what to expect

  • Relaxed, offsite environment (not held in a church building)

  • Appetizers provided

  • Invite a friend—guests are encouraged

  • Optional childcare available

  • No pressure, no expectations

Each evening is guided by clergy and lay leaders, with time for conversation shaped by real questions submitted anonymously.

Who is this for

This series is especially for:

  • People who have questions about faith

  • Those who feel unsure about church

  • Friends, neighbors, and anyone curious

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could ask that,” this is your space.

Where do I park?

 

Dedicated parking is available for first time visitors in our main parking lot accessible from Dawson Street and McDowell Street between Edenton Street and Jones Street:

If you are traveling south on Dawson Street, turn left into our main parking lot between Jones Street and Edenton Street. If you are traveling north on McDowell Street, turn left into our main parking lot between Edenton Street and Jones Street.

Parking is also available at no cost in the paved lot located directly west of our main campus on the corner of Dawson Street and Edenton Streets. (This lot is managed and enforced by My Power Parking, but free for church goers on Wednesday nights!)

Street parking is also available closer to State of Beer. However, State of Beer is two blocks away from our church, so we encourage you to park and walk!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not at all. This space is designed especially for people who are curious, unsure, or even skeptical about faith. You don’t need to believe anything in particular, and you won’t be expected to agree with anyone. Whether you’ve never been part of a church, have stepped away, or are simply exploring, you are genuinely welcome here just as you are.

  • No—this isn’t a class, and it’s not a debate. There’s no lecture to sit through and no pressure to defend your views. Instead, each evening is shaped by conversation. Leaders will help guide the discussion, but the goal is to create a space where people can listen, share, and reflect together. It’s okay to have different perspectives—that’s part of what makes the conversation meaningful.

  • That’s completely okay. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you’d like. Some people prefer to listen and take it all in, and that’s a valuable way to be part of the conversation. If you do have a question but don’t want to speak out loud, you’ll have the option to submit it anonymously during the event.

  • Absolutely—we’d love for you to. This is a great kind of event to experience with someone you already know, especially if you’ve had conversations about faith or life together before. Many people find it easier to come when they’re not walking in alone, so feel free to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker.

  • Not at all. Each evening stands on its own, so you can come to just one or both—whatever works best for your schedule. That said, each week explores a different topic, so if you’re able to attend both, you’ll get a fuller experience of the conversations.

  • The gatherings will take place in a relaxed, offsite setting to help create a comfortable and approachable atmosphere. You can expect a casual, welcoming space where people can grab a drink, enjoy some appetizers, and settle in for meaningful conversation. The goal is to feel more like a night out with thoughtful discussion than a formal event.