A publication of the Renewal Fellowship
A publication of the Renewal Fellowship
by John Bigham. A ready-made follow-up for the enlivened faith and enthusiasm generated by an Alpha Course takes the form of the Beta course, A Life Worth Living, a nine-week look at Paul's letter to the Philippians, in the format of the Alpha course. … Read more
By James Lindsay. When the author and his wife Pamela attended an Alpha Course, they gave their lives to the Lord. Allowing Jesus to take control of their destiny has given them a beautiful feeling, with hearts open and not heavy. Their growing relationship with the Lord has given them faith to pray for and receive answers. … Read more
By Hank Van Goult. Putting on an Alpha Course at Knox Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, Ontario, was unexpectedly made more easy when their Interim Moderator, Dr. Douglas McQuaig, offered the resources of his church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Streetsville, Ontario, to help them start up and run their course. … Read more
By Bob and Olive McBay. A closer walk with the Lord is encouraged at CPC by a growing emphasis on prayer, Bible Study groups, men's and women's ministries, outreach to children and youth, care of newcomers, reminders of the monthly Renewal Fellowship prayer meetings, Spirit-led sermons, and making Jesus the centre of everything. … Read more
By Pat Allison. The four congregations of the Bass River Pstoral Charge in New Brunswick have learned how to co-operate in presenting the Alpha Course and Children's Summer Festivals in the local fire hall, Christmas pageants with "live" everything, a yearly Women's Day away, and a youth group, "Kent County Christian Youth". … Read more
By Carol S. Ward. There are wonderful signs of the Holy Spirit moving in great power amongst us in many different ways and across the denominations. The Alpha program is impacting almost every denomination, and the Renewal Network Conferences are drawing people to worship God in openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their midst. … Read more
By Jackson Clelland. The Alpha Course is an opportunity for an entire congregation to get involved in outreach, fellowship, learning, and growing in our faith. In a spirit of expectancy, God shows up to provide the resources for the program, to heal, and provide what is missing. … Read more
By Issa A. Saliba. Nicky Gumbel, who was a barrister, has become an advocate of grace. His testimony shines through much of his presentation, further enhanced by precise diction and a distinctly English accent, which easily grabs one's attention for 40 minutes. … Read more
By Hugh Appèl. Following Alpha at our church, prayer is on the increase like never before. Many people get together for prayer prior to the morning worship celebrations and prayer teams pray with people afterwards. Jesus Christ is being discovered all over again. … Read more
By Jim Walton. Youth Alpha involves a little more work than its adult counterpart. You can't turn on a videotape and expect the young people to "tune in". One has to "create" the Youth Alpha talk and session from the outline given in the Leader's Manual. … Read more
By Alan Rowley. At long last, my faith has undergone a great renewal. Having been introduced to Jesus Christ through the Alpha program, I now have a complete belief in God. This program gave me a positive understanding of belief in the Christian faith. … Read more
COVER PHOTO: Prof. James Torrance speaking at the 1998 Annual Meeting Renewal Day (Photo: Jack Harewood)
ARTICLES
REVIEW
Calvin Brown introduces the Alpha Course and calls for the appointment to PCC theological colleges of principals who are committed to classical biblical Christianity and who will train pastors who will be clear about their convictions. … Read more
By Douglas McQuaig. What makes the Alpha Course work are an invitational banquet, home-based small groups, the fellowship of a meal shared, group discussion, prayer and ministry, a weekend retreat, a celebration banquet, and a rolling program of evangelism and spiritual growth. … Read more
By Andrew Hutchinson. Nicky Gumbel presents a well-grounded understanding of the Christian faith without apology, in a positive, winsome way. Alpha provides for a personal experience of the presence of God, rather than merely talking about God and His mercy. … Read more
By Anne Douglas. Alpha came to one congregation as an answer to prayer for an evangelistic Bible study. Some have made first-time commitments to Christ; others have drawn much closer to God. This is their church's most effective ministry to non-Christians. … Read more
By George Anderson. The Alpha course is a very helpful renewal evangelism course because it brings together so many spiritual growth principles: an intentional focus on Christ and the Holy Spirit, fellowship over meals, small-group discussion, and friendship evangelism. … Read more