FAQs

Why are we doing this?

To support one another in love. Check out the purpose page for more.

Does the Festival endorse a particular theological stance?

No. God is Love. We understand that these are difficult, contentious times. This event is not meant to promote any particular ideologies or theological interpretations. It is meant to foster connection and to allow us a moment to hold space for each other, regardless of our views on scripture or current events.

The festival is about:

Connection, not consensus
Personal reflection, not theological debate
Collective processing of gratitude and grief
Honoring complex identities
Listening without fixing
Emerging with clarity and courage, not certainty

The festival is NOT about:

Pushing people into a new ideology
Debating theology or re-litigating old doctrines
“Fixing” faith or offering pat answers
Truth and Reconciliation discussions between factions, denominations, ideological groups

Where will it be held, what’s the cost?

The event will be held at StartGarden in Grand Rapids.

We will have a program for the full morning, so please arrive before 9 am and plan to stay until 1 pm.

There are three classes of ticket available. They all grant the same access.

• A reduced-price ticket - $7 - aims to make the event accessible to those who could not afford the standard ticket.

• A more expensive ticket - $39 - is available for those who are willing and able to take on an additional share of the cost to keep the event accessible to others.

• The standard ticket - at $12 - covers the cost of venue rental and refreshments. Unless you feel like paying more or less, please choose this option.

The class of ticket purchased will not be disclosed at the event; all ticketholders will have the same access to the event and refreshments.

This is not a profit seeking endeavor. All revenue will go towards covering the costs of the venue, and refreshments. If ticket sales exceed the costs of running the event, the proceeds will donated to a good cause or - depending on how the event goes - used to seed a larger Festival in 2026.

How can I get involved?

Please fill out the contact form below and let us know how you’d like to contribute.

Who is behind this? What’s their motivation?

Daniel Alberts is behind it. Now identifying as a ‘Recovering Calvinist,’ Daniel grew up in a conservative congregation of the Christian Reformed Church in upstate New York. Daniel has lived abroad for 20 years, but he still has the feeling he’s not the only one who feels a bittersweet mix of immense gratitude and profound bewilderment when he contemplates his native faith tradition. He thinks this is something we should talk about.