Converge/Seattle Update

Westminster Chapel hosted the Alpha USA National Conference – Converge/Seattle, November 7 & 8.  Westminster is a recognized leader in reaching out to its multi-cultural community with Alpha courses in multiple languages and Alpha for ESOL.   Delegates from across the U.S. and Canada helped the Bellevue, WA church “inaugurate” its new building addition, as this was the first conference of its kind held there.  Over the two-day conference, delegates enjoyed thought-provoking and inspiring main sessions, in-depth breakouts, heart-felt worship and encouragement.  

 

The theme of understanding culture was the backdrop for authors Donald Miller and Todd Hunter as they discussed The Cultural Challenge for evangelism today and how Alpha is well-suited to help churches meet the challenge.  Following the presentation, attendees were given an opportunity to seek further explanation and challenge the speakers during an open question and answer period. Recording artist Brenton Brown led the conference in intimate acoustical worship music sessions

 

Five tracks offered delegates a wealth of options - Alpha Essentials for those new to Alpha, Advanced Alpha, Marriage Course, Multicultural Alpha, including Alpha for ESOL and special tracks for Senior Pastors and Church Planting with Alpha.  Delegates were equipped to start new Alpha courses as well as improve their existing courses. Those with advanced experience in running Alpha chose breakouts such as Intro to Global Alpha Training, the Alpha Invitation, How to Improve Your Weekend and Healing Night and Alpha for Youth.

 

Delegates filled the breakout sessions led by Garry Poole (Conversations with Seekers) and Lynne Ruhl (Persuasive Listening), where they learned skills for communicating with people in a loving and respectful ways, applicable both in the context of an Alpha course and in other situations in life.

 

Some attendees received training in how to run The Marriage Course in their communities. This intense two-day training featured a true-to-life Marriage Course dinner session complete with video and course discussion. Participants set the stage for the meal and then sat down to experience the course from an attendee’s perspective.

 

Nicky Gumbel is coming to lead the 2009 Alpha USA National Conference on October 19 & 20, 2009.  Location and other details to be announced soon.