Inside Alpha
Subtitle: explorations in evangelism
By: James Heard ; foreword by Andrew Walker
Contributors: Walker, Andrew, 1945-
Series: Studies in evangelical history and thought; Studies in evangelical history and thought
Publisher: Paternoster
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Milton Keynes, U.K; Colorado Springs, Colo
Language: eng
Number of pages: 268
ISBN-13: 9781842276723
Subjects: Alpha courses (Christian education); Evangelistic work; Conversion; Christianity; Psychology
Description: "UK church attendance is haemorrhaging and one course is hailed as the most effective tool for 'turning back the tide.' From small beginnings in the early 1970s, Alpha has grown to become a global success. Churches across the denominational spectrum have enthusiastically seized upon the course, seeing it as the remedy for declining church attendance. Inside Alpha explores such claims through richly grounded qualitative research on six Alpha courses. It assesses Alpha's primary aim of converting non-churchgoers and its longer-term goal of spiritual maturity (Colosians 1.28-29). It questions whether the Alpha programme is as successful as it claims at uniting evangelism and discipleship, mission and spiritual formation."--Back cover.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [243]-263) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: The genesis of Alpha; title: An outline of Alpha; title: Literature review; title: Methodology; title: The Alpha programme; title: Alpha and the sociology of conversion; title: A theological and liturgical critique of Alpha; title: Conclusion: The future of Alpha.