Big life questions can make anyone feel vulnerable, and taking the first step to figure it out is nerve-wracking. Alpha is a place to explore those questions, but if you’re still not sure if it’s the right place for you, check out what other people have said, below. Chances are, you’re not alone.
(Wondering what Alpha is all about? Read our post, “What Is Alpha?” for more information and to sign up.)
“A lifetime process of exploring my faith”
Before attending Alpha, I happened to be a very new Christian. I had recently moved back to the area when a friend asked if I’d like to go to her church. After enjoying the service, she recommended I try Alpha.
The environment and people were inviting and non-threatening. The format was casual yet organized, the food provided was outstanding, and the dinner conversation was fun.
Alpha offered an opportunity to explore and talk with others like me about central topics pertinent to Christianity as well as my questions and doubts. It was an entry into what I now know will be an ongoing and lifetime process of exploring and building my faith in God as well as building my community that is connected with it. Alpha is a great first step if you are a person who is exploring whether Christianity is for you.
~ Susan
“Not alone in my thoughts and questions”
Alpha was a wonderful experience! I was hesitant at first, but felt very comfortable and welcomed by the group. I really enjoyed the format and the video and topic to focus on each week. The narrative of the video was more educational and thought provoking than “preachy” (which is what I expected).
What I loved the most about Alpha was that I was able to ask questions, discuss my apprehension and, at times, skepticism, and the group responded in a way that made me feel I was not alone in my thoughts and my questions. I plan to go through Alpha again and look forward to what I will gain my next time through.
~ Christine Burke
“Perfect way to start on my journey”
I did not grow up in a church or even go to church much aside from the occasional service when the grandparents came to town. With that in mind, I found Alpha to be exactly what I needed. Alpha was inviting, fun, chock-full of information, and just what I needed as my first introduction to religion. I felt supported without feeling forced or overwhelmed, which was a very calming feeling as I often have a lot of anxiety when I explore things I’m new to. Alpha was truly a perfect way to start on my journey of knowing Christ.
~ Christopher Davis
“God moved in my heart every week”
I learned of Alpha and saw it as my opportunity to approach Christianity fresh to see if it resonated with me. Sure enough, God moved in my heart every week. One session the video explained that many people think you need understanding in order to have faith, but really, you need faith in order to understand. I had assumed I needed to figure out my doubts and questions before finding God, but a small step of faith was all that was needed on my part in order for God to reveal His truth and help me understand.
On the Alpha retreat, we were asked to visualize our hearts as a garden. I saw that mine was empty dirt, fertile soil containing seeds ready to be watered and tended. I realized that the weeds – the doubts and fears that had littered my soul since childhood – were gone. The Lord had taken them from me, and I felt at peace.
~ Beth Brinley
If any of these testimonials resonate with you, we’d love to see you at Alpha. Join us 6:30-8pm on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Church of the Resurrection. Let us know you’re coming by signing up here. We can’t wait to see you!