What's Happening With Alpha

Centre Street Church, Calgary Alberta
We recently received information from a survey of the largest churches in Canada, by average Sunday attendance aver 1000. Six of them are in Alberta, and all six, by the way, are strong Alpha churches.

What was fascinating and encouraging was the response given when questioned regarding outreach and evangelism. The number one effective strategy across Canada was listed as. "effective programs for youth and children that meaningfully impacted parents." Well who could argue with that?

Number two, however, was the Alpha Course, mentioned specifically by name. Other figures I have seen recently show that over 90% of churches in a number of countries around the world agree that Alpha is an effective tool for evangelism and would recommend Alpha to other organizations.

Not that Alpha is effective only for Mega Churches; Alpha is just as effective in a home group with two to ten guests. Most of my Alpha churches are running Alpha with between twelve and thirty guests. One of my favourite stories to tell is of an Alpha my wife and I ran in our home with two guests. One was already a Christian and the other became one, so I count it as my most successful Alpha ever - 100% conversion rate.

This fall alone, there are close to four hundred Alphas running just in the Province of Alberta, and over six hundred since the beginning of the year. I hesitate to give an exact number because every time I do, more are registered (or discovered.)

If you are currently supporting Alpha, this is what your dollars are helping to accomplish. You are participating in what is possibly the most effective evangelistic outreach tool available today.

But if you are not, and are looking for a ministry where your contribution can make a positive difference in our nation and for the Kingdom of God, would you consider doing so? It's as easy as clicking on my image to the right and following the link.

Or, if you are so disposed, sending a contribution to Alpha Ministries Canada, #230, 11331 Coppersmith Way, Richmond BC V7A 5J9, specifying, "Alberta" in the memo line.

Thanks and Blessings,

John

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