The Alpha Experience

"It is a program for the un-churched, the under-churched, and even the over-churched. It is a 10 week course designed to let all get to know the real Jesus..."

It was not that long after we joined our former church. We kept hearing about this program they offered called Alpha. We were asked if we would like to be a part of the next class. At first we said no - we thought it was for mostly unbelievers. After all, I had just got off the church council at the church we had left. We really did not need it - so we thought.

A few months had gone by, and the church hired a young teaching pastor. He was very familiar with the Alpha Program, had taught it, and wholeheartedly endorsed it. We had instant chemistry with this new pastor, and rapidly became friends. It was not that long before he asked us if we would take the Alpha class. We agreed, and signed up for the next session offered.

Alpha is a program developed by "Nicky" Gumbel, an ordained Anglican priest from the United Kingdom. He is the developer of the Alpha Course, which is a basic introduction to Christianity. It is supported by many churches from many Christian denominations. For some churches, it caught on like wild fire - for others, not so much. In our church, it was much the former of the two.

We took the course with tepid expectations. After all, we had gone to church for most of our adult lives, so what could this possibly teach us that we did not already know. Turns out, quite a bit. The formula for the course was the same for whatever church it was taught in. Gather together for some social time and a supper, have worship time, and then hear a teaching lesson. After the lesson, break into small groups to engage in some pro-forma discussion points. Towards the end of the 10 week course, there is an entire weekend devoted to learning about, and experiencing the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was the highlight of the course for many.

After the course, we were hooked. My wife and I were small group leaders for three more classes, and I was the Alpha Director for one more. When I left for a while to work at another church, I started an Alpha Program there. When I left to come back to my home church, the course ran for at least four more sessions at the church I worked at. That is how the Alpha Program grew - organically. Someone would take it to another church, train them, and then they were off and running.

Although the Alpha experience is now somewhat distant in our past, we will never forget it. We still see some who were with us in our small groups. In the program, we experienced minor and major miracles of transformation. We saw the broken hearted healed, the bitter become better, and many who were sad or mad become joyful. Without a doubt, the time we spent in Alpha was some of the best we had in our adult lives. 

At our Nicky Gumbel Alpha training session, Alpha was defined as follows: "It is a program for the un-churched, the under-churched, and even the over-churched. It is a 10 week course designed to let all get to know the real Jesus..." If you ever have the opportunity to take Alpha at your church or a neighboring one, I highly recommend it. It is a life changer for some, a wonderful experience for all.