A non-threatening 10-week course designed for those seeking something more is popping up all around the globe. What's its secret?
What is Alpha? A non-threatening 10-week course designed for those seeking something more. It gives those interested in Christianity some of the answers they are seeking. It gives Catholics the means to obtain a deeper, more spiritual experience in their own lives.
Alpha is a course in basic Christianity that has found its way throughout the United States, Europe, Egypt and virtually every country in the world. This phenomenon reaches across religions and out to believers and doubters alike. It is led by the laity and invites the unchurched in for a casual community meal, prayer and video series.
The video series tackles the most difficult questions posed today for organized religion, including what happens when we die, does God heal today, is Jesus even relevant today and the biggie - what is the meaning of life.
The classes are formed on the idea of a welcoming community with no judging. Founders felt that before a person became a member of a church, they had to feel they belonged to a community. That’s why a meal is shared before every session, to encourage people to get to know one another.
The catch? Well, at the end of the 10-week course you know what facilitators do? They give you a hug and thank you for coming. Yep, they don’t make you sign anything (except your name tag). They don’t make you go to a service. Of course many in the group continue to meet on their own or become more involved in the church. But, speaking from experience, those that choose not to become more involved are not thought less of.
Those that stay, however, have spoken about life changing realizations. Deepening one’s relationship with Jesus is a common outcome, whatever the level of intimacy one had with Jesus before. It’s truly a remarkable experience of community in today’s ever individualistic world.
