Alpha- a personal perspective

In September 2002, our parish teamed up with the Baptist Church in Walton to run a joint Alpha course and I was asked to be a helper. I had heard a lot about Alpha and seen the adverts on the back of buses and in the press so it was with some curiosity that I agreed to take part. I feel that I must confess that my preconceptions of Alpha were wrong. I thought that it would be very pushy and too ‘happy-clappy’ for me. I am a pillar-and-pew sort of Anglican and not given to sudden outbursts of ‘Praise the Lord’ and hand waving.

Alpha is an 11-week course and currently there is a morning course with a creche for preschool children and an evening Alpha that begins with a meal and a chance for a chat with the others on the course. The topic of religion is not encouraged at supper- that comes later! Then there is a video during which Nicky Gumbel (who is a member of the clergy team at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton) talks on the subject of the week e.g. Why did Jesus die? How can I be sure of my Faith? And afterwards there is the chance to discuss the talk in the small groups. These are a group of 10-12 people made up of a leader and two helpers and eight or nine guests.

Many of the topics provoke questions that trouble us all at some time in our lives and Church is not always the place to raise them but during Alpha we are given the opportunity to explore these ideas more fully, to explore the meaning of life.

There is a good reason why the logo is ? Alpha provides a safe environment to ask questions that have arisen from the talks or other areas of our lives.

Alpha is strongly Bible-based and the methodical layout helps to fill in the gaps in our knowledge and experience but the talks are not dry and dusty. They are funny and encouraging, they seem to build you up and not judge you. I am left with a strong sense that developing my faith can be fun and uplifting and not a series of hoops to jump through or tasks to be completed.

Taking part in Alpha as a helper or leader has given me the opportunity to get to know people from different parts of the church community. There is a feeling of a shared journey whether you are a leader, helper or guest.

For me the real difference is that I now have a personal relationship with God through his Son Jesus. I am a ‘cradle’ Christian, brought up on Bible stories and prayers every night so I knew that God was there but my relationship with him was more like that of an elderly grandfather. I would visit on special occasions, ask for help in emergencies and then not bother him for months.

Alpha has changed the way I lead my life, the way I make decisions, how I use my time, everything. I would encourage you to come and find out for yourselves. No matter how long you have been coming to church don’t form your opinion until you have tried it. Be bold. Try Alpha. How bad can it be?

Caroline Merrick – February 2004