Frequently Asked Questions about the Alpha course.
What is the Alpha course?
It is a course that introduces the teachings of Christ in a very simple and logical way. It is helpful to those who are not Christian and it answers many of the difficult questions that we all ask ourselves. It came out of the Anglican Church in London and has been so successful that it is now in 112 languages, shown in 169 countries and over 22 million people have taken the course. The course has been received so well that it is being used in Protestant, Catholic and Eastern Orthodox communities.
At the end of this post are two links to very interesting articles written by the secular press that describes the impact of the Alpha course.
With the Alpha course being so popular in different Christian denominations, how are doctrinal differences handled?
This course is an introduction to the teachings of Christ to those who are not Christian, and to inspire those who are Christian. Alpha is designed to be simpler and less technical than the teaching of any specific church doctrine. Alpha’s simple explanations and illustrations might be too simplistic for theologians, but it is a very effective resource, for clergy and laity who have a calling for evangelism and pastoral counseling.
When you are in the process of buying equipment, you may receive a simple brochure describing all the features and benefits in a very simple manner. After the purchase, you are given a manual that includes all the details of the use, maintenance and warranties. The Alpha course is the "simple brochure" that introduces the teachings of Christ.
The different Christian denominations have a lot more in common than we realize. We become more effective in our own faith, if we learn from each other as well. Unity in the faith is not the same as uniformity in the faith. We are united in purpose, in spite of the diversity of our traditions and history.
Can we preach the Gospel outside of the Church?
Alpha's main goal is to introduce the Good News to everyone but especially those who are doubters, cynics and the weary. I am enthusiastic about Alpha because I have seen it work for over 6 years. Many Christians may overemphasize "didache" (Διδαχή) teaching at the expense of the "kerygma" (κήρυγμα) or proclamation.
While teaching is usually done in a classroom or church setting, proclamations are often done out in the public. Some good examples of proclamations, include the Apostle Paul's preaching on Mar's Hill in Athens. Paul acknowledged the pagan temples and even used their monument, to the unknown God, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was not offended by the polytheistic environment. He proclaimed the "Good News" in the cultural context that the people could relate and understand.
Jesus pointed to the pagan Roman centurion and said “Never in all of Israel have I seen such faith”. He gives a parable to the Jewish religious leaders using a Samaritan as the role model, even though Samaritans were considered apostates in the Jewish community. Jesus breached the barriers that divide us.
People need to feel safe in our presence first, before they can understand the Gospel. The Alpha course speaks to their hearts, and does not argue with their intellect or challenge their culture. Love heals hearts and draws people to God. And that’s the Good News. Jesus reached out to the lost, He was not strict with them. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and even to do good to those who hurt us. Jesus was strict with the religious leaders who should have known better, but to those who crucified Him, amazingly, He forgave them, even from the Cross. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
Are all guests inspired for the work of the ministry?
I found that at the end of every Alpha course, whether in a church or in a prison, the guests feel so encouraged and loved, that, with joy and gratitude, they seek a closer walk with Christ by serving others.
This course is an introduction to the teachings of Christ to those who are not Christian, and to inspire those who are Christian. Alpha is designed to be simpler and less technical than the teaching of any specific church doctrine. Alpha’s simple explanations and illustrations might be too simplistic for theologians, but it is a very effective resource, for clergy and laity who have a calling for evangelism and pastoral counseling.
When you are in the process of buying equipment, you may receive a simple brochure describing all the features and benefits in a very simple manner. After the purchase, you are given a manual that includes all the details of the use, maintenance and warranties. The Alpha course is the "simple brochure" that introduces the teachings of Christ.
The different Christian denominations have a lot more in common than we realize. We become more effective in our own faith, if we learn from each other as well. Unity in the faith is not the same as uniformity in the faith. We are united in purpose, in spite of the diversity of our traditions and history.
What is Alpha's role in the church?
The church has liturgical and pastoral responsibilities. The Alpha course helps with the church's pastoral responsibilities. The pastoral work is too much for any one minister, that is why the pastoral work is everyone's responsibility.
The church has liturgical and pastoral responsibilities. The Alpha course helps with the church's pastoral responsibilities. The pastoral work is too much for any one minister, that is why the pastoral work is everyone's responsibility.
The apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, (4:11-12), that God raises up “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to prepare the believers (laity) for the work of the ministry”. The Alpha course helps the clergy mobilize their congregations, to do the pastoral work of the church.
Jesus said that everyone who follows Him should be helping those in need. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said to ordinary men and women; "You are the light of the world, the salt in the earth", and by His own example, He selected ordinary fishermen to be His disciples.
In Isaiah, chapter 58, God confirms that helping those in need is what He values most. The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians that if we do not have love, our religion loses its value. God chose to show His love to the world through us, His people. While the Alpha course brings seekers to understand Christ, it also inspires believers to serve in the pastoral work of the church.
Can we preach the Gospel outside of the Church?
Alpha's main goal is to introduce the Good News to everyone but especially those who are doubters, cynics and the weary. I am enthusiastic about Alpha because I have seen it work for over 6 years. Many Christians may overemphasize "didache" (Διδαχή) teaching at the expense of the "kerygma" (κήρυγμα) or proclamation.
While teaching is usually done in a classroom or church setting, proclamations are often done out in the public. Some good examples of proclamations, include the Apostle Paul's preaching on Mar's Hill in Athens. Paul acknowledged the pagan temples and even used their monument, to the unknown God, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was not offended by the polytheistic environment. He proclaimed the "Good News" in the cultural context that the people could relate and understand.
Jesus pointed to the pagan Roman centurion and said “Never in all of Israel have I seen such faith”. He gives a parable to the Jewish religious leaders using a Samaritan as the role model, even though Samaritans were considered apostates in the Jewish community. Jesus breached the barriers that divide us.
People need to feel safe in our presence first, before they can understand the Gospel. The Alpha course speaks to their hearts, and does not argue with their intellect or challenge their culture. Love heals hearts and draws people to God. And that’s the Good News. Jesus reached out to the lost, He was not strict with them. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and even to do good to those who hurt us. Jesus was strict with the religious leaders who should have known better, but to those who crucified Him, amazingly, He forgave them, even from the Cross. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
Are all guests inspired for the work of the ministry?
I found that at the end of every Alpha course, whether in a church or in a prison, the guests feel so encouraged and loved, that, with joy and gratitude, they seek a closer walk with Christ by serving others.
I have seen prison inmates start the course discouraged, confused or hostile and after 11 weeks they are at peace with themselves and are enthusiastically looking forward to their new life in Christ, even in prison!
I have seen churches transformed by the Alpha course. From a church filled with members, to a church filled with ministers.
Can you imagine a whole church congregation involved in visitations to prisons, hospitals, widows, orphans and the poor? That is when the church will impact society.
The pastoral work, Jesus commanded, is to be taken up by every believer. All of us should be actively visiting and helping those in need, according to our God given natural abilities and His spiritual gifts. The Alpha course inspires believers with the desire to serve Christ through serving others.
Can outsiders be anointed to be used by God?
Yes, because doing good and loving others requires no theology. Doctrine is about getting the theology right. But grace is for all of us to receive and share. Our pursuit of the "high road" is to be encouraged, but it takes an attitude of grace not to be critical or judgmental of others. Our pursuit of doctrinal purity should encourage and strengthen each other, not separate each other.
Yes, because doing good and loving others requires no theology. Doctrine is about getting the theology right. But grace is for all of us to receive and share. Our pursuit of the "high road" is to be encouraged, but it takes an attitude of grace not to be critical or judgmental of others. Our pursuit of doctrinal purity should encourage and strengthen each other, not separate each other.
When Mother Teresa died in India, this Hindu nation gave her the highest state funeral possible, the same that they gave to Ghandi, the founder of their nation. It was not because of her Catholic doctrines, but for her life of loving service. When Billy Graham was invited to speak in the Russian Orthodox cathedral in Moscow during the height of the Cold War, it was not because of his Protestant doctrines, but the life he lived in proclaiming the good News of Jesus Christ world wide.
Let the theologians and the bishops decide on doctrine. It was because of them, we have the New Testament, learned of the Holy Trinity, the nature of Christ and much more. But for the rest of us, we are to live our doctrines daily, by serving one another.
Mark 9:38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he was not in our group.” 39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said.“No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.
A theology that empowers or a theology that divides?
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things that the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.
Does our theology separate us? If we disagree, are we disagreeable too? If Jesus sought the company of people as different as Samaritans, tax collectors and sinners, was He lowering His standards or was He reaching out to us so He can raise us up to His standards? Like Jesus, we are to use our spiritual knowledge to raise up one another, and whatever we are willing to learn from each other's different spiritual experiences, will only strengthen us and not divide us.
By our love for one another, we share His truth..
Galatians 5:6, 6:1.
This conference was very helpful for both the Orthodox priests and the Alpha representatives alike. It is important that within the multi-cultural church, we find ways to encourage and support each other's work, in the context of each other's tradition, so that we may all fulfill God's purposes in our lives.
My experience with the Orthodox community.
They always inspire me because of their deep devotion and dedication to their faith, their reverence towards God, and it's centuries old liturgy that transcends time and culture. There is a lot we can learn from their spiritual history and experience.
Prison and God's priorities.
The Alpha course is a resource for all Christians.
Reports on the Alpha course from the secular press.
An article from BBC UK about Alpha in prisons in England, that would be a quick read and insight to what it does.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/807804.stm
An article on the Alpha course by Times magazine that does a good job describing it's impact in London, England.
Let the theologians and the bishops decide on doctrine. It was because of them, we have the New Testament, learned of the Holy Trinity, the nature of Christ and much more. But for the rest of us, we are to live our doctrines daily, by serving one another.
Mark 9:38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he was not in our group.” 39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said.“No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.
A theology that empowers or a theology that divides?
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things that the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.
Does our theology separate us? If we disagree, are we disagreeable too? If Jesus sought the company of people as different as Samaritans, tax collectors and sinners, was He lowering His standards or was He reaching out to us so He can raise us up to His standards? Like Jesus, we are to use our spiritual knowledge to raise up one another, and whatever we are willing to learn from each other's different spiritual experiences, will only strengthen us and not divide us.
By our love for one another, we share His truth..
Galatians 5:6, 6:1.
Overview on the Alpha Conference in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
This conference was very helpful for both the Orthodox priests and the Alpha representatives alike. It is important that within the multi-cultural church, we find ways to encourage and support each other's work, in the context of each other's tradition, so that we may all fulfill God's purposes in our lives.
The leaders of the Alpha course are very conscious of the different traditions and doctrines of the various denominations. It is with this awareness, that they present the Alpha course as either an introduction to the Christian faith, or as some denominations would prefer to call it, a pre-introduction of the Christian faith. Regardless, the world sees our holidays and the many different styled cathedrals and rituals and have concluded that this is not relevant to the modern world and it's many problems. But as we all know, the words of Christ in today's world are very relevant, and that is what Alpha introduces. After the Alpha course, the new believer can find their role in the context of their own culture and denomination, as to how to best serve His purposes.
The importance of the prison ministry.
The prison ministry is a key factor. The success of the Alpha program in prison, and how it's transforming the lives of inmates, is what is opening the door, to the many different denominations world-wide.
Prison and God's priorities.
In both Testaments, (Isaiah 58 and Matthew 25) God puts visiting those in prison, helping the poor, the orphans, those suffering from injustice, and forgiving one another, as a priority over all our other religious duties.
He says, before you go to worship God, restore your relationship with anyone that has a complaint against you, and that you have forgive those who have wronged you (Matthew 5). And Jesus Christ said that if we do not visit the prisons, it's like not visiting Him. For us, getting involved in a prison ministry with a resource, that actually helps transform lives, is miraculous. That is why we consider Alpha, a gift from God to the church.
He says, before you go to worship God, restore your relationship with anyone that has a complaint against you, and that you have forgive those who have wronged you (Matthew 5). And Jesus Christ said that if we do not visit the prisons, it's like not visiting Him. For us, getting involved in a prison ministry with a resource, that actually helps transform lives, is miraculous. That is why we consider Alpha, a gift from God to the church.
The Alpha course is a resource for all Christians.
The Alpha course has provided a way for me, who is neither worthy or qualified, to be of help to those in prison. As Alpha did that for me, I believe that in every congregation, there is at least one or two people, who can rise up, to obey this commandment from God. And if each congregation of every Christian denomination, in every nation, would send one or two people to minister to those in prison, we can have a very positive impact in our society, world-wide.
...Go and tell the good news and make disciples...
It's impossible for any one priest or a minister to visit every prisoner in every prison. But collectively, all the believers can. Who will train them? As the apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, the religious leaders will. The Alpha course provides religious leaders a resource to develop an effective lay ministry for prisons, orphanages, the poor and the sick. God called all believers to tell others the Good News and help those in need.
Reports on the Alpha course from the secular press.
An article from BBC UK about Alpha in prisons in England, that would be a quick read and insight to what it does.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/807804.stm
An article on the Alpha course by Times magazine that does a good job describing it's impact in London, England.
http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1866094,00.html
Do you have any questions about the Alpha course?
Please feel free to email me directly, anytime at:
jamesrozos@gmail.com
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