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The Alpha Course is a 10-week experience, where people from all backgrounds come together in a welcoming environment to explore what relevance Jesus has for their lives today. Church members invite neighbors, who invite co-workers, who invite family members, who keep inviting others in an ever widening circle in your community. Each evening, guests enjoy a delicious, casual meal . . . a thought provoking message either live or on video . . . and the opportunity to build relationships as they explore spiritual questions together. Many Alpha Courses are held in churches. But they are also held in private homes, in prisons, on military bases or even in workplace settings. And Alpha Courses are running each week in more than 163 countries around the world. Over 30,000 churches worldwide have offered Alpha. Did you know that, in the United States alone, more than 8,000 churches from 127 different denominations have done the Alpha Course?
What makes the Alpha Course work?
In American society today, many people don’t attend church services. So Alpha is a tool for the local church to bring Jesus to them. On an Alpha Course, people can safely voice, “I’m not sure there even is a God“ and be invited to talk about it more. In fact, for most who attend an Alpha Course, the highlight becomes their small-group discussion time, at the end of each weekly meeting. There, in the context of growing friendships, they explore what they’re learning about Christianity. No question is too simple or too hostile. And it’s do-able! With thousands of Alpha Courses running all across the United States, you won’t be alone. At Alpha Conferences, you’ll rub shoulders with experienced leaders who have seen the course transform their churches. There, you’ll learn how to recruit volunteers, reach seekers and everything in between-from leading worship to praying for your guests.
What Makes Alpha Different?
Alpha is not simply something to add to the church activity list. It’s life-changing. Churches are successfully weaving Alpha into how they “do church”…and are witnessing church transformation. In fact, a 2004 Barna Group research study revealed that in an average course, nearly half of those attending made a first-time commitment or a recommitment to Christ. Many of those are likely to start attending the church where Jesus first became real to them. Why not make it your church?
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