The vision of Quest is simple, bland, and redundant. Our vision is to be the church. The process, however, can be scandalous, powerful, and hopefully, redemptive because a church ought to wrestle with 1) what the church is and 2) and how a faith community LIVES out that calling in its respective context and culture. Wrestling with these two elements gives birth vision and cause. People, ultimately, are repelled by institutions but compelled by vision and cause. Q Cafe was birthed by that vision and cause to be an incarnational faith community but locally and globally, thus, being called to be a GLOCAL CHURCH. We do not want to isolate our faith to merely a 90 minute service on Sundays but to encourage each person to live out their faith. The church, through Q Cafe, is doing what we are asking our church folks do to. Through this non-profit/non-religious cafe, we put our theology into daily incarnation.
Even before our church turned a year old, the then 40 questers made a decision to make a statement. Rather than a traditional route, they would first create something to demonstrate ‘relationship’ with its neighbors by creating this non-profit cafe and community center. The concept was simple: rather than consumerism and capitalism being the only focus, how does a church community redeem those values in our Western culture?
Is it possible to serve organic coffee and tea and demonstrate care for our environment? Is it possible to create a unique venue where not only would people enjoy incredible coffee but be connected to the larger community? Is it possible to create a space where local artists and musicians would have a platform to share their unique talents? Is it possible to create a venue where children, parents, college students, local businesspeople, the homeless, and senior citizens can all come to enjoy a neighborhood cafe? Is is possible to develop a replicating model where profits would go towards supporting classes, providing resources for the homeless, programs for children, and rental space for neighbors and local non-profits? We hope to find out.
Since its inception from 2002, Q Cafe is making its mark. In addition to writeups in the Seattle Weekly and the Seattle Times, it was also named one of the best independent cafes in the country by Worthwhile Magazine. It has hosted countless local musicians through shows and open mic in addition to national musicians such as Ginny Owens and Nickelcreek. Every two months, local artists adorn the walls with their expressions. Hundreds of homeless men and women have been helped through counseling, resources, and a listening ear. Two families were given an opportunity to be placed into permanent housing. Over $10,000 have been raised thus far for benevolent and justice causes like the Tsunami Fund, AIDS, etc. Computer classes are being taught to senior citizens and local neighbors. The space is used by local businesses, neighborhood groups, AA meetings, churches, other non-profits, moms’ group, and rented for all purposes – even weddings. Q Cafe is growing into a community presence…
To learn more: visit http://qcafe.org
What is Q Cafe:
Q Cafe is non-profit neighborhood cafe in Seattle featuring direct trade espresso and tea, live music, art, and community events.
We proudly serve Stumptown Coffee; support local artists and musicians through our art gallery and live music venue; host many groups through the rental of our space; host community events; help collect resources for the homeless community; and give back 10% of all cafe sales to local and global non-profit causes. In addition to great coffee and tea, Q Cafe also features free WiFi for laptop users, 2 desktop kiosks for internet [30 minutes/purchase], a kids’ room for parents and children, countertop tables and benches for laptop user with easy access to outlets, a piano, and plenty of comfy chairs and sofas.
Weblinks:
- Q Cafe website & About Q Cafe
- Q Cafe Live Music MySpace
- Media: Seattle Times & Killer Coffee Shops (Worthwhile Magazine)
Here’s the video interview with Matt:
A glimpse of Live Music:
My job as Exec. Director:
Our cafe manager, Jake, sharing the presence of the Q:
