My First ALPHA

[Aymn27]

I'm just getting home from my week 1 alpha. Having a somewhat extensive knowledge base about Christianity, I was expecting to not be very impressed. Man, was I wrong! What a fabulous program. Anyone else attended one of these? I'm curious to what extent the weekend retreat gets into the Holy Spirit - I'm going at a Vineyard Church so I'm expecting some charistmatic things to happen, what has been your experiences? thanks for sharing.

Aaron

[Fish and Bread]

I did an Alpha course a year or so ago and really enjoyed it. Nicky Gumbel is a very funny man, and the material was very intriguing. It was basic and yet deep at the same time.

We didn't really do a full Holy Spirit weekend as the course recommends, just a Holy Spirit day. There was a point where Amazing Grace played and people came up to be prayed over and commit or recommit to Jesus at the end of that day (About half of the people, including me, just stayed seated and watched... we're Episcopalians, after all. ;)), but no speaking in tongues or anything like that at our gathering.

It probably depends to an extent on the character of the parish where it's held. Both the tapes and the rector did mention tongues and gifts of the spirit, even though that kind of stuff usually isn't talked about at the parish I was at, but only in a vague way. It was notable, though, that the rector gave the talk himself instead of playing the Gumbel tape for the final Holy Spirit segment. It was implied that the way the tape presented things might not have been something we'd have all have been entirely comfortable with, given our backgrounds.

I am sure at a Vineyard church it'll be *very* charismatic, though, from what I know of the Vineyard movement. :)

[ChasingADream]

Sweet! I'm signed up for an Alpha course that starts on April 5th. I was a little worried it would be a very basic introduction to Christianity and that I might not get much from it. Now I'm SOOOOO looking forward to it! Thanks for sharing about your experience!

[Naomi4Christ]

I'm just getting home from my week 1 alpha. Having a somewhat extensive knowledge base about Christianity, I was expecting to not be very impressed. Man, was I wrong! What a fabulous program. Anyone else attended one of these? I'm curious to what extent the weekend retreat gets into the Holy Spirit - I'm going at a Vineyard Church so I'm expecting some charistmatic things to happen, what has been your experiences? thanks for sharing.

Aaron

Glad you enjoyed it :)

I've been involved in Alpha for over 10 years and think it is a fabulous course on many levels.

Do you have a live speaker or are you using the tapes?

[ContraMundum]

Sounds awesome!

Praise God that even the most seasoned believers can get a boost!

Maybe clerics should do it too!

[SirTimothy]

Alpha is fantastic with Nicky Gumbel, but we're discussing at present how we can better suit it to english cypriots. We may make some changes, but it's really a terrific course.

Timothy (I've done it three times now and get something new each time)

[Naomi4Christ]

Alpha is fantastic with Nicky Gumbel, but we're discussing at present how we can better suit it to english cypriots. We may make some changes, but it's really a terrific course.

Timothy (I've done it three times now and get something new each time)

Timothy, if you like Nicky Gumbel's teaching, you can listen to his sermons online at http://www.htb.org.uk . They obviously go well beyond that Alpha material and more suited to those who already have a Christian faith. I often go to a Sunday evening service there and it is fantastic all round.

As for Alpha, we do our own talks, but they are pretty much on the same material as Nicky Gumbel's, in line with the Alpha licensing requirement. The talks are available on CD, and the files can be edited so that you keep the structure the same but alter the examples and put in your own jokes, etc.

[TomUK]

Timothy, if you like Nicky Gumbel's teaching, you can listen to his sermons online at http://www.htb.org.uk . They obviously go well beyond that Alpha material and more suited to those who already have a Christian faith. I often go to a Sunday evening service there and it is fantastic all round.

As for Alpha, we do our own talks, but they are pretty much on the same material as Nicky Gumbel's, in line with the Alpha licensing requirement. The talks are available on CD, and the files can be edited so that you keep the structure the same but alter the examples and put in your own jokes, etc.

Thanks for that - i might listen to a few a bit later.

[SirTimothy]

As for Alpha, we do our own talks, but they are pretty much on the same material as Nicky Gumbel's, in line with the Alpha licensing requirement. The talks are available on CD, and the files can be edited so that you keep the structure the same but alter the examples and put in your own jokes, etc.

Well, we may end up not calling it 'Alpha' and producing our own booklets if we do it our way. We're planning on leaving behind the 'talk' structure and instead turning it into an 'interview' structure where questions are probed and answered alongside a media presentation (hey, media's what we do best!) since it seems more culturally appropriate than a 40 minute monologue.

Timothy

[Aymn27]

I did an Alpha course a year or so ago and really enjoyed it. Nicky Gumbel is a very funny man, and the material was very intriguing. It was basic and yet deep at the same time.

We didn't really do a full Holy Spirit weekend as the course recommends, just a Holy Spirit day. There was a point where Amazing Grace played and people came up to be prayed over and commit or recommit to Jesus at the end of that day (About half of the people, including me, just stayed seated and watched... we're Episcopalians, after all. ;)), but no speaking in tongues or anything like that at our gathering.

It probably depends to an extent on the character of the parish where it's held. Both the tapes and the rector did mention tongues and gifts of the spirit, even though that kind of stuff usually isn't talked about at the parish I was at, but only in a vague way. It was notable, though, that the rector gave the talk himself instead of playing the Gumbel tape for the final Holy Spirit segment. It was implied that the way the tape presented things might not have been something we'd have all have been entirely comfortable with, given our backgrounds.

I am sure at a Vineyard church it'll be *very* charismatic, though, from what I know of the Vineyard movement. :)
It was basic and yet deep at the same time.Exactly what I told my wife - nothing complicated for the newbie, but a rather interesting proof proposition for the believer. I really enjoyed it!

We are using the tapes and I must say I do, very much, enjoy Nicky Gumbel. Is he a more evangelical pastor? Just wondering.

My wife is really impressed as well. She actually started asking some questions about Anglicanism last night and why I was so enthralled with it. Of course, we had some disagreements on my theological problems with Rome -she is still RC, and isn't much into researching/reading anything religious. I feel, though, for the first time she's kinda taken an interest into my wanting to become an Anglican priest.

The Vineyard church we are taking it at is very nice. Very nice people BUT they're kinda of the - umm- "prosperity gospel" folk - kwim?

I was thoroughly impressed by their music - they have a large screen behind their sanctuary and they play Vineyard music while a video is playing on the screen with the words - last night it was "Days of Elijah" and the backgrounds were various scenes of natural beauty. I believe it is called iWorship or something of the sort - but would work very well in a convergence/evangelical church.

Chasing, I can't wait to hear how you like it - I pretty much like anything to with church, so I was just wondering if anyone else was impressed with this as I was. I'll be praying for its success where you will be going.

Blessings,
Aaron

[SirTimothy]

Maybe clerics should do it too!

Yep! Maybe it'd help get your calendar out of the 17th century... :-P

[Naomi4Christ]

We are using the tapes and I must say I do, very much, enjoy Nicky Gumbel. Is he a more evangelical pastor? Just wondering.

Yes, he is the vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton - a very high profile evangelical Anglican church. http://www.htb.org.uk

I actually did my Alpha training at the Cincinnati Vineyard. It was a joint venture between the Episcopal Diocese and the Vineyard - how funny is that? Basically, it was arranged by the Episcopal church and hosted by the Vineyard, but all the worship resources came from HTB. It was a little oasis for me during my time in the US.

[Naomi4Christ]

Well, we may end up not calling it 'Alpha' and producing our own booklets if we do it our way. We're planning on leaving behind the 'talk' structure and instead turning it into an 'interview' structure where questions are probed and answered alongside a media presentation (hey, media's what we do best!) since it seems more culturally appropriate than a 40 minute monologue.

Timothy

The key to the success of Alpha is the structure of meal/talk/discussion as well as the followup discipleship. There are other courses that can follow this model, including DIY ones (especially if you have the ability to produce the high quality resources).

Alpha started as a Christian basics course for newcomers to HTB - it was not designed to be what it is now. Maybe you can start something, Timothy, and then take over the world with it (it would solve your career dilemma) :D

[SirTimothy]

The meal and the discussions have been the high points here... but the talks have always felt a wee bit long, and a wee bit convoluted for our crowd is the problem. We'd like to slightly (not dramatically) restructure the talks to try and reduce the feel of the length, more than anything else. If we can get away with it under Alpha guidelines then we'd be very pleased as the resources are second to none.

Timothy

[Naomi4Christ]

The meal and the discussions have been the high points here... but the talks have always felt a wee bit long, and a wee bit convoluted for our crowd is the problem. We'd like to slightly (not dramatically) restructure the talks to try and reduce the feel of the length, more than anything else. If we can get away with it under Alpha guidelines then we'd be very pleased as the resources are second to none.

Timothy

Our live talks are much shorter than the videos. I think some of Nicky Gumbel's illustrations, although highly amusing, are very long-winded. I think our last vicar did a 50 minute talk in about 35. This vicar is a brilliant preacher who is also very funny and peppers all his sermons with Gumbelesque humour.

If you have someone who is willing to give the talks over 10 weeks, or perhaps two people who can share them, then this is a very good way to go. In fact, Alpha, as much as they love Nicky, does recommend you deliver the talks in house.

[Aymn27]

Timothy, if you like Nicky Gumbel's teaching, you can listen to his sermons online at http://www.htb.org.uk . They obviously go well beyond that Alpha material and more suited to those who already have a Christian faith. I often go to a Sunday evening service there and it is fantastic all round.

As for Alpha, we do our own talks, but they are pretty much on the same material as Nicky Gumbel's, in line with the Alpha licensing requirement. The talks are available on CD, and the files can be edited so that you keep the structure the same but alter the examples and put in your own jokes, etc.
Naomi..thanks so much for the link - i've just took a quick look at the site and I think there is quite a few things I'm going to like there!

RE: Vineyard and Alpha - it is very funny that we are having a similar experience - I've always enjoyed your posts and "snide" comments here - while I believe they offend others sometimes (just like mine) - I appreciate your disposition and always look forward to your input on subjects (especially when you get the anglo-caths in an uproar, lol) - perhaps we are somehow "cosmic" brothers and sisters in a "cosmic" Christ sort of way, LOL! Blessings and peace be to you!

[ContraMundum]

Yep! Maybe it'd help get your calendar out of the 17th century... :-P

Yes...it's making me late for all my appointments. I had a doctors appointment today and I missed it..when they called I said "that appointment is not for another 395 years, isn't it?". They replied "what are you, some kind of Continuing Anglican or something, it's 2006, not 1611!". I said "prove it", and the conversation ended with them hanging up just as I said "well, you started it, and just because you're Hindu doesn't mean you shouldn't be at mass...I'll see you at confession young lady!" All I heard was some mumbling about "my goodness that guy is a religious nut, I guess he wants us to treat him with leaches or something".

That reminds me, I must feed my horse before I go to work. The poor thing can't cope with my saddle-installed stereo on an empty stomach.

Thanks for the suggestion brother, sounds like a good plan to me!

[ContraMundum]

RE: Vineyard and Alpha - it is very funny that we are having a similar experience - I've always enjoyed your posts and "snide" comments here - while I believe they offend others sometimes (just like mine) - I appreciate your disposition and always look forward to your input on subjects (especially when you get the anglo-caths in an uproar, lol) - perhaps we are somehow "cosmic" brothers and sisters in a "cosmic" Christ sort of way, LOL! Blessings and peace be to you!

I agree. I dig Naomi's input too. And yours too my brother!

[Aymn27]

Yes...it's making me late for all my appointments. I had a doctors appointment today and I missed it..when they called I said "that appointment is not for another 395 years, isn't it?". They replied "what are you, some kind of Continuing Anglican or something, it's 2006, not 1611!". I said "prove it", and the conversation ended with them hanging up just as I said "well, you started it, and just because you're Hindu doesn't mean you shouldn't be at mass...I'll see you at confession young lady!" All I heard was some mumbling about "my goodness that guy is a religious nut, I guess he wants us to treat him with leaches or something".

That reminds me, I must feed my horse before I go to work. The poor thing can't cope with my saddle-installed stereo on an empty stomach.

Thanks for the suggestion brother, sounds like a good plan to me!
rofl!!

[Aymn27]

I agree. I dig Naomi's input too. And yours too my brother!
Well thanks Contra - it shouldn't go unsaid I suppose that I consider you the resident theologian on this board - your posts are always uplifting, insightful..and so darn intelligent. Do you think it's sinful to be envious of anothers intelligence? LOL - well, not that I don't want you to keep it, but I want it also!!

As always, you are in my prayers, along with all those here (though I pray for some to have a conversion to the dark side of conservatism, rofl..just joking)

[SirTimothy]

Our live talks are much shorter than the videos. I think some of Nicky Gumbel's illustrations, although highly amusing, are very long-winded. I think our last vicar did a 50 minute talk in about 35. This vicar is a brilliant preacher who is also very funny and peppers all his sermons with Gumbelesque humour.

If you have someone who is willing to give the talks over 10 weeks, or perhaps two people who can share them, then this is a very good way to go. In fact, Alpha, as much as they love Nicky, does recommend you deliver the talks in house.

The problem is that 'Alpha' on the island has 'always been done one way' for the past four years, and trying to make that change may not be taken awfully well. :)

Timothy

[ContraMundum]

Well thanks Contra - it shouldn't go unsaid I suppose that I consider you the resident theologian on this board - your posts are always uplifting, insightful..and so darn intelligent. Do you think it's sinful to be envious of anothers intelligence? LOL - well, not that I don't want you to keep it, but I want it also!!

Me, intelligent? Heck, I am the only person I know that could fail a blood test. I went to the doctor's office once and they said I needed a cat scan and I said "can I use my own cat, or do you know a vet with one to spare?". Once a salesman came to my door and offered me a special deal on insurance, and he said "this is a good deal friend, and we'll even offer you a guarantee, double your profits or no money back!", and scratching my head I replied "gee, I dunno, um, OK I guess".

On the other hand, I have noticed that the only people who commit the sin of envying another's intelligence are usually remarkably intelligent themselves. It takes brains to recognise intelligence, so I think your envy is a sign of superior intellect. Perhaps I should envy your mind, but then again I'm proud and egotistic and would never admit it.

As always, you are in my prayers, along with all those here (though I pray for some to have a conversion to the dark side of conservatism, rofl..just joking)

That would be nice. But there's always the Spong-Yoda out there saying "convert to the dark side, you must not".

[Naomi4Christ]

Naomi..thanks so much for the link - i've just took a quick look at the site and I think there is quite a few things I'm going to like there!

RE: Vineyard and Alpha - it is very funny that we are having a similar experience - I've always enjoyed your posts and "snide" comments here - while I believe they offend others sometimes (just like mine) - I appreciate your disposition and always look forward to your input on subjects (especially when you get the anglo-caths in an uproar, lol) - perhaps we are somehow "cosmic" brothers and sisters in a "cosmic" Christ sort of way, LOL! Blessings and peace be to you!

:blush:

[Naomi4Christ]

The problem is that 'Alpha' on the island has 'always been done one way' for the past four years, and trying to make that change may not be taken awfully well. :)

Timothy

Those pesky traditionalists ;)

[ChasingADream]

Tonight's my first night of Alpha too...what should I bring with me?

[Naomi4Christ]

A pen :) and an open heart.

[RedneckAnglican]

I did Alpha many moons ago when I was Episcopalian...It was quite enjoyable...

[ChasingADream]

Ok, I'm home now...the first day went well. I was a bit dissapointed that I was the only one there under 35 though. :sigh: Oh well, I am still really looking forward to next week. :clap:

[Aymn27]

Ok, I'm home now...the first day went well. I was a bit dissapointed that I was the only one there under 35 though. :sigh: Oh well, I am still really looking forward to next week. :clap:
oh wow, yeah..that is different life situations. invite some friends along! was it just the first dinner?

[ChasingADream]

oh wow, yeah..that is different life situations. invite some friends along! was it just the first dinner?

Yeah, just the first dinner. Are there more younger people in your Alpha?

None of my friends would go.

[SirTimothy]

"Christianity: Boring, irrelevant and untrue?" has to be the best title for an evangelistic talk I've heard of.

[Aymn27]

Yeah, just the first dinner. Are there more younger people in your Alpha?

None of my friends would go.
There are about 75 people plus the staff - i'd say about 1/3 in their 20's or very late teens (single), 1/3 in their "married with children" stage, and the rest are older. I was unable to go to my last one - my kids had a soccer game that was moved to the same time. I hope to make all the rest.

I have done lenten bible studies in a group that consisted of my wife and myself (we were in our mid-twenties) and about a dozen middle-aged people. We dropped out half-way just b/c it ended up being more of a "well, we've already been there and now we know better than you" crowd. I don't think Alpha is set up that way though. Stick it out!

[ChasingADream]

There are about 75 people plus the staff - i'd say about 1/3 in their 20's or very late teens (single), 1/3 in their "married with children" stage, and the rest are older. I was unable to go to my last one - my kids had a soccer game that was moved to the same time. I hope to make all the rest.

I have done lenten bible studies in a group that consisted of my wife and myself (we were in our mid-twenties) and about a dozen middle-aged people. We dropped out half-way just b/c it ended up being more of a "well, we've already been there and now we know better than you" crowd. I don't think Alpha is set up that way though. Stick it out!

I will, don't worry. I was just hoping to be able to meet some other Christians my age. There are only about 10-15 people plus the staff and other than me and one other lady, they are all members of the Parish that it's being held at. They (including the other lady are all Roman Catholics and I'm the only one who isn't but I don't think that'll matter any. Not to me at least.) But anyways, they all know eachother and most of them are over 55 I think. Sounds familiar to me because the majority of my Parish is over 60. There's nobody my age there either. There are a few kids under ten, their parents, some other people in their 40's & 50's and then the majority of the parishoners are 60 and up. :sigh: Oh well. Guess it's just the area I live in or something. That's why I'm on CF so much. At least there are people my age on here that I have more in common with.