People realize that materialism doesn t give them a point to life and want the Church to provide something more. The Alpha program is the most explosive spiritual export from Great Britain since John Wesley sent Francis Asbury to stir the fires of revival in the colonies. Many of the most vibrant and growing United Methodist churches from Philadelphia to Chicago to Kansas City are utilizing the Alpha course to reach those outside the church. Alpha utilizes a meal and small groups to create an informal atmosphere to engage the eternal issues that really matter. It is John Wesley s class meeting rediscovered.
Alpha engages both the heart and the mind.
My post-modern generation will not be reached solely by intellectual evidence, but neither will it suffer fools gladly. In the small groups, questions are encouraged. The talks are filled with apologetics yet Alpha leaders realize that if the Holy Spirit does not show up, people will be smarter but not changed. Alpha recognizes that each individual must make his or her decision about Jesus at their own timing. Therefore, no one is pressured.