Last Sunday the most remarkable testimony was given in my church by a man whose life had been transformed by coming to know Jesus Christ. The young man who spoke was Chris Perreca, who attended a 15-week course called Alpha, which has proven to be a powerful evangelistic tool. First, a half million people have attended Alpha in 12,700 churches. Second, more were organized by Episcopalians than any other denomination. Rev. Nicky Gumbel, a British Anglican priest who is not a natural evangelist, developed Alpha for people like himself.
Alpha groups begin with dinner in a home, during which there is no talk about religion.
Then a video of Gumbel speaking is shown on core concepts of Christianity. The historical evidence for his life, death and resurrection. After the video there is informal discussion. Friends invite friends to introduce them to Jesus. And it is life-changing, as Chris Perreca testified.