Student Alpha

At its core, the Christian faith is relational.

We are called into an ever-deepening relationship with our God who is Trinity and, as such, is the very definition of relational, even within himself.

I’ve been leading studentalpha groups for longer than I care to mention, and something that never ceases to amaze and excite me is the power of the Alpha small group. It offers the chance for anyone – regardless of their present beliefs – to explore big, chunky faith questions in an environment that is non-threatening and non-judgmental, while forging some of the greatest friendships they will ever have.

But don’t just take my word for it. A little while back I asked some guests in my Alpha small group to reflect on their experience after a few weeks on the course. Here’s what they said:

Cassie ‘It’s hard to put [our group] into words … but it’s like whatever level you started at you all end up in the same place, more aware of God’s love. This is not only given to you by what you study or by reading the Bible, but by seeing how each person within your small group is affected, and sharing in that love with them.’

Claudia ‘I think my small group is brilliant: so refreshing to meet people who genuinely care and are not afraid to show this. I feel like I have known them for far longer than I have … Alpha has given me time to think about Jesus and to see how I fit into the Christian faith, something which I have not allowed for in many years.’

Ian ‘The one thing I have really got out of the course is love: a love for God and a love for everybody. Our particular group has really bonded as one … As a result of the Alpha course (especially the weekend away together), and our spiritual growth that has resulted, we all now have an incredible bond of love and respect for one another.’

And then there was Roger. Slightly more terse in his writing style, and decidedly less enthusiastic than the others. But even he couldn’t resist the simple mixture of God’s love and human friendship:

Roger ‘Eight weeks in. Still not a Christian. Not a problem. I’m sure I will be. Many profound things have happened, the best of these being the transformation of a group of very different people into the closest group of friends. Alpha is probably the best thing I have ever done.’

I saw Rog in church last week … and man, is that guy flying with God!

So come on people, let’s make the decision to follow the philosophy of the wondrous Hard Rock Café … ’Love All, Serve All’.