What is the purpose of Spiritual Shots™?
The purpose of Spiritual Shots™ is to promote honest dialogue and real answers to tough questions about Christianity and its relevance to today's world. Shots™ is designed to create a comfortable, open atmosphere for discussion, particularly for those who don't feel comfortable in a church. No name tags, no prayer, no church "insider" language. You don't have to have any knowledge of the Bible.
When did Spiritual Shots™ begin?
Spiritual Shots™ began in the fall of 2001 at the Havana 59 restaurant in Shockoe Bottom. In 2002, Shots™ moved to its current location in the upstairs bar area of Bottoms Up Pizza in Shockoe Bottom at the corner of 17th and Dock Streets.
Who can attend Spiritual Shots™?
All are welcome to attend Spiritual Shots™. We especially welcome and encourage those who are asking serious questions about spiritual issues. You don't need to have any knowledge of the Bible. Attendance at Spiritual Shots™ averages between 40 and 70 people.
There is no age requirement for Spiritual Shots™, however Shots™ may not be appropriate for children and youth: Shots™ attempts to foster dialogue and discussion on issues that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, and Shots™ is held in an area of the restaurant where alcohol is available for purchase.
Will I be required to speak while there?
No one is ever required to speak at Spiritual Shots™, nor do we ask you to introduce yourself. All attendees are welcome to participate by asking questions during the Q&A with the facilitator at the end of the evening, but participation is entirely voluntary. If you have questions about the presentation you wish to ask outside of the Q&A time, there is an opportunity to submit written questions to the facilitator at the end of the evening.
What is the format of a Spiritual Shots™ event?
6:00-6:35pm Appetizers and Live Music
6:35-6:40pm Welcome/Announcements
6:40-7:00pm Discussion of the Night's Topic by the Facilitator
7:00-7:30pm Q&A on the Night's Topic with Facilitator
Who are the facilitators of Spiritual Shots™?
Corey Widmer and Rob Rhoden have served as the facilitators for Spiritual Shots™ since early 2006. Corey and Rob are dynamic, engaging speakers who enjoy discussing tough questions about Christianity. They present the evening's topic from one Christian perspective and then invite open, honest dialogue. The questions asked at Shots™ are rarely easy to answer, so you may sometimes hear either Corey or Rob answer "I don't know," rather than offer pat, unsatisfying answers to difficult theological issues.
Corey Widmer is a graduate of the University of Virginia (Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity 2005). He grew up in Chicago and Chattanooga. He serves as an associate pastor at Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond's West End. He and his family live in the Church Hill community.
Rob Rhoden is a graduate of Bethany College (Bachelor of Arts in 1992) in Santa Cruz, California, and Union Theological Seminary here in Richmond (Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry). Rob is a native Richmonder and serves as the lead pastor of a church in the Fan called Commonwealth Chapel. He and his family live in the Church Hill community.
Is there a way for me to hear an audio clip from a recent Spiritual Shots™?
Yes. Click here to listen to an audio clip from a recent discussion at Spiritual Shots™
Do I need to RSVP or make a reservation before attending?
No, you do not need to RSVP or make a reservation in order to attend Spiritual Shots™. We plan on approximately 50 attendees at each Spiritual Shots™ event. If more than 50 attend, we simply order more appetizers. Feel free to come and bring others with you.
Is there a cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend. Free appetizers are available to all attendees. You are welcome to purchase your own drinks and other food.
I have a friend who doesn't attend church. Would he/she feel comfortable at Spiritual Shots™?
Spiritual Shots™ is specifically designed to provide a relaxed environment where people who don't attend church, or are just uncomfortable in church, can feel comfortable asking tough questions about Christianity.
What should I wear?
We have college students and others who wear jeans and tennis shoes, business people who wear suits, and everything in between. There is no dress code for Spiritual Shots™; wear whatever is comfortable for you and appropriate for a restaurant environment.
Do I have to be a certain age to attend?
There is no age requirement for Spiritual Shots™, however Shots™ may not be appropriate for children and youth: Shots™ attempts to foster dialogue and discussion on issues that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, and Shots™ is held in an area of the restaurant where alcohol is available for purchase.
Do people drink alcohol at Spiritual Shots™?
Spiritual Shots™ is held in the upstairs bar area of Bottoms Up Pizza, where a variety of beverages, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, can be purchased. Some attendees choose to purchase alcoholic beverages, some do not.
Who organizes Spiritual Shots™?
Spiritual Shots™ is not affiliated with any particular church or religious denomination. Shots™ is organized by a Steering Committee of 8-10 business men and women associated with Needle's Eye Ministries, Inc., an interdenominational Christian ministry to the business and professional men and women of Richmond, Virginia. You can learn more about Needle's Eye and its statement of faith by visiting the website at www.needleseye.org.
The concept of Spiritual Shots™ originated when several Richmond business people learned about a similar forum called Theology on Tap™. Theology on Tap™ is a Catholic discussion forum that's been held in restaurants around the country for more than 25 years. Spiritual Shots™ has a very different purpose than Theology on Tap™, but the concept of using a local restaurant as a forum for spiritual discussion was a great model for Shots™.
