Paul Dugan, Associate Pastor and Alpha Director, from Community Presbyterian Church writes:

Greatest joy:

My greatest joy is seeing the joy of our Leaders and Helpers as they see God use them on the Alpha course. At the end of an Alpha evening we make it a habit to debrief with our team. It is so exciting to hear reports of how our guests are coming to a place of trust, sharing real struggles and objections, and wrestling honestly with the person and work of Jesus.

Another joy has been the growing partnership we have with another congregation in our community, The Ventura Vineyard. Seeing Presbyterians and Vineyard folks working together to host an Alpha course is really a blast!

Greatest challenge:

Our greatest challenge is helping our church members live missionally and see Alpha as a part of their personal mission strategy. We would love to see our church members better understand and experience how Alpha can be a great place to bring their friends even as they find personal renewal on the course.
 

Being connected to others:

I have found my relational networks with other Alpha practitioners extremely valuable. They provide perspective, encouragement (“you’re not alone”), fresh ideas, and inspiration. I particularly enjoy the connections across the denominational divides…showing the fact that we stand together on the essentials of the faith and on our shared witness to the world.

Paul Dugan:  Alpha Director/Associate Pastor
Church home: Community Presbyterian Church
City, State: Ventura, California