Prior to attending Alpha, I did not have many expectations. I simply wanted to get more involved and Alpha seemed like a great opportunity to explore faith with people. Alpha in a sense was my “ministry,” but little did I think that the community I was surrounded with would minister to me. When someone attends Alpha, they should expect to watch a video and then explore through conversation within a small group which ultimately becomes your community. What I loved about Alpha was the environment. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, laid back, and inclusive. It made me want to come back. I never once felt threatened nor intimated. Alpha truly gave me a safe place to ask tough questions. Everyone is given a safe place to engage in conversation and ask as many questions as they need and presented me the opportunity to engage with people who were from all walks of life.
My community was built of both young adults and older adults, those who were new to their faith and those who have been Christians their entire life. The diversity of my community made for amazing conversations. Throughout Alpha, God was actively present and working in people’s lives. It was made very clear from the beginning that something incredible was happening. One of my greatest memories will be meeting a dear friend who I continue to stay connected with today. She was young in her faith and through her Alpha experience she came to Christ. I believe the environment Alpha presented, along with the people, gave her the space to ask questions, process doubt, and ask again, and ultimately believe. It was an incredible experience to witness. Not only did we all contribute to her growth, but she challenged us, and we left as better people of faith because of her. It is a privilege for me to continue to stay connected with her and learn from one another as we begin to meet for Bible study.
As Alpha continued, we began to grow deeper in relationship and we began to ask really tough questions about Christianity. We did not always have the exact answers to our questions, but we would encourage each other and process them together. This is what made Alpha so special. Anyone attending Alpha can expect to be challenged, to think deeply, to love people, and to engage in community. It is an unexplainable feeling to look back on my Alpha experience and see how God worked through my community tremendously in only a short few weeks. We each overcame something either big or small, but God truly revealed Himself to each of us. I would recommend anyone to attend Alpha, if you personally have questions/doubts or if you know someone who does, attend Alpha together and engage in this community, and explore what might change your life. I know Alpha holds a special place in my heart and I hope that it will challenge and encourage you as it did me.
For more details visit www.lakeave.org/alpha