It is friends bringing friends," he says. "Learning about the Christian faith and having a lot of fun together" says Gumbel is what it is about. The practice of guests returning to the same group each week, sharing a friendly meal together on neutral ground ensures that people are put at ease and better able to hear a talk and ask questions at the end. Perhaps the most significant contribution that Alpha has made is the emphasis it places on the value of relationships. There can be no doubting the godly commitment of those organising the Alpha initiative, to reach those who have never known Christ. That Alpha has encouraged so many churches and so many individuals to start doing evangelism must be a cause of much rejoicing.Īnother aspect of the whole of the Alpha course is the intense zeal with which people long for others to become Christians. The quality and availability of the resources provide church leaders with a ready made evangelistic course so that it does not require a great deal of work to get the course going. It is easily transferable and so reaches people far beyond Brompton. It is remarkably well produced and the quality of the resources are exceptional. It is clear that there are many things about Alpha which are praiseworthy.
The cross is mentioned, the Bible is used and apologetics are employed to convey the Christian message in a credible manner" '4The course does not contain anything that is contrary to Roman Catholic doctrine" says Bishop Ambrose Griffiths OSB, (Hexham and Newcastle) Another commentator WD Scholes in A is for Alpha, B is for Berean" says that " The course also appears to contain a number of criteria that ought to keep the Evangelical constituency happy. Roman Catholic cardinals also give it high praise. The Archbishop of Canterbury says "It is superb. Both the Alpha internet site and Alpha news contain many commendations from diverse theological positions. The course is being run in countries as diverse as Namibia and Finland. Over 500,000 people completed the course by 1997. Ostensibly Alpha has been extraordinarily effective. It is therefore from the point of view of the man or woman who is ignorant of the faith rather than from the point of view of those who are already Christians, that the course will be assessed.Īnyone involved in Christian ministry in this country and indeed throughout the world cannot ignore the massive impact that Alpha is having and no doubt will continue to have in the future. It is aimed specifically at those who don't normally go to church". I hope that this short essay will explain where my concerns with the course content lies.Īccording to its internet site, "Alpha is a 15 session practical introduction to the Christian faith. But that is the topic of another discussion. Having more recently read David Wells book, God in the Wasteland, I have been forced to ask whether the style and method of the course actually panders so much to the culture of there being a ‘smorgasboard of religion’ for people to investigate and take their pick from’ that it needs to be examined closely too.
I explained that my discomfort had nothing to do with the style of delivery of the course, (which I actually believed was excellent and had much to commend it), rather it was the theological content that was the cause.
You may also follow ELCA Youth Ministry on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with us.At the end of March 1999, subsequent to having been involved in the publicity, administration and teaching on both adult and youth Alpha courses, my vicar at St Thomas, Sheldon, asked me to explain why I was uncomfortable with the Alpha course. Also, don’t forget the amazing and diverse outdoor ministries of the ELCA! And ELCA Youth Ministry works closely with ELCA Young Adult Ministry to walk with youth into transitional years of life.
#YOUTH ALPHA LEADERS GUIDE PDF HOW TO#
One of the most powerful events, offered every third year, is the ELCA Youth Gathering, during which tens of thousands of high school youth and adults converge on a city to serve, worship and learn how to lead lives of discipleship. ELCA Youth Ministry partners with the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, a group dedicated to renewing, educating and connecting those who work in youth ministry with synod youth ministry leaders with congregations across the church.Īs a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, the ELCA offers a variety of opportunities for youth to grow in and explore their faith. Youth MinistryWelcome! The ELCA Youth Ministry page is your starting point for finding resources, individuals involved in youth ministry across the ELCA, as well as leadership development and faith formation programs and initiatives for youth.īecause we are a church that believes God is calling us into the world together.
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