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The
Alpha Course
LIVING THE LIFE?
Many of us have pondered the meaning of Life. Most have
attempted to try and define our place and purpose on this planet
– whether it is simply as a result of idle curiosity, the result
of losing a loved one, or the sheer frustration of dealing with
the burden of everyday living.
“Is this all there is to life?” people say. “What on earth am I
doing here?” they ask. “What happens when I die – and is there a
God in Heaven?” they question.
Questions about the existence of God have fascinated humans
since time in memorial. Many men and women today experience a
very real sense of spiritual hunger without ever having contact
with a church.
So how, and where, does one find the answers to life’s pressing
questions?
You may have noticed a growing number of churches across the
Peninsula sporting white ‘band-aid’ style banners draped across
their formal, dressed-stone facades – proclaiming ‘ALPHA is
here!’
No, this is not some UK bingo-style, LOTTO replacement,
promising a get-rich-quick solution to life’s problems.
The reason for this recent phenomenon is the international and
local success of ALPHA – and it is why these churches seem to be
attracting as many fans as a rugby Test match at Newlands. Like
any dynamic attraction, success is measured by the number of
people it draws through its doors. Judging by the growing number
of fans at churches, it appears that ALPHA has achieved more
conversions than Percy Montgomery!
To date over 10 million people worldwide have attended an ALPHA
course. In South Africa the number is close to half a million
people.
The courses are usually run at a church venue during mid-week.
These meetings are a far cry from the pressured presentations
one might expect from a ‘multi-tier’ sales organization, or from
a ‘mind-over-matter’ eastern philosophy lecture. Indeed just the
opposite is true. What distinguishes ALPHA from all other group
initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed nature of the proceedings
– a kind of ‘camaraderie of questioners’ –
who it seems, find the answers to life’s complex questions.
“What ALPHA offers, and what is attracting thousands of people,
is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big
questions – life and death, and their meaning”. – The Guardian,
London.
TIME Magazine reports that “many claim ALPHA has changed their
lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience”.
The ALPHA course is run on the Atlantic seaboard by Camps Bay
United Church’s Christian Lifestyle group, who readily confirm
this statement.
Says CBUC’s Alpha leader Richard Parker: “ALPHA is informal,
engaging, and relevant - and a good evening out. It’s a great
way to meet like-minded people and to make new friends – and to
discover that God does exist!”
Parker says that you do not have to be a member of a church to
attend – and, remarkably in this day and age, the course is
absolutely free.
Enquiries: contact Peter Hodson 082 555 1333
For dates please check here
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