One of the keys to being transformed by God is knowing and understanding His Word in the Bible. However, many people lack a basic understanding of what the Bible is about, or they have questions about life that they need answers to, but they may be embarrassed to ask those questions. In fact, the rate of “biblical illiteracy” is growing in America. At one time, almost everyone knew the Bible, even if they weren’t a believer, because it permeated our culture. However, as the U.S. has moved away from being a devoutly Christian nation, people tend to learn less and less about the Bible. In other cases people think they know what the Bible teaches, but are mistaken, such as those who think the Bible is all about “good” people going to heaven and “bad” people going to hell, instead of about people being saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
That’s where the Alpha Course comes in. Alpha is designed to be a non- threatening, non-judgmental environment where people can become grounded in the basic teachings of Christianity, and where they can ask any question they want without fear of embarrassment. Alpha was developed in the Church of England, a nation that abandoned it’s Christian heritage even before America did, and it has since spread across the U.S. Alpha has proven to be an effective way to reach people for Christ who could not or would not come to faith through a traditional worship service. It has also proven to be a great way for even those who are believers to solidify their understanding of the core teachings of scripture. Here are three ways you can get involved:
That’s where the Alpha Course comes in. Alpha is designed to be a non- threatening, non-judgmental environment where people can become grounded in the basic teachings of Christianity, and where they can ask any question they want without fear of embarrassment. Alpha was developed in the Church of England, a nation that abandoned it’s Christian heritage even before America did, and it has since spread across the U.S. Alpha has proven to be an effective way to reach people for Christ who could not or would not come to faith through a traditional worship service. It has also proven to be a great way for even those who are believers to solidify their understanding of the core teachings of scripture. Here are three ways you can get involved:
- 1. ATTEND. Maybe you have questions about God, the Bible, or Jesus, but you’ve been afraid to ask. Alpha is your chance. Or maybe you just need a refresher on the basics of the Christian faith. Alpha is good for that, too.
2. VOLUNTEER. We want Alpha to be a relaxed, friendly and hospitable environment. We’re looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve a meal to attendees each Monday, others to greet people and make them feel welcome, and others willing to be trained as facilitators for table discussion.
3. INVITE. Maybe you know someone who has questions about Christianity, or someone who does not yet feel comfortable coming to church worship but might be willing to give a non-threatening class like this a try. Let them know about the class, or better yet offer to attend the class with them.
To learn more about the Alpha Course at Frazer, contact Diane Klaaren at the church office or visit www.frazerumc.org/alpha.