Integration is a process of combining or accumulating various elements.  It means to form, coordinate, or blend things into a functioning or unified whole. Integration brings together several things such that the whole is greater than the parts. The opposite of integration is segregation—the systemic separation of two or more elements. Integration vs. segregation is a useful tool for thinking about the complexity of most churches.

First, to consider complexity, which us usually managed by segregation, it might help to picture the visually busy announcement section of a church bulletin. Then add to that all the church meetings: staff, board, committees, etc. That picture raises the question: how do contemporary churches integrate all those activities around the Great Commission to make followers of Jesus?

How do we stay focused on integrating all that in order to, as The Message says, “train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life…then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you”.

The Alpha course is great tool for integrating the various elements of church life around the task of making disciples. Integration can begin or move forward via any of these steps:

1. In an integrated church, the main budget reflects a commitment to evangelism—so do the church calendar and the job descriptions of various staff. The Alpha course can provide the momentum to shape budgets and calendars, etc.
   

2. Integration of the gifts of every person in the congregation is possible through the Alpha course. On Alpha any gift of the spirit can be employed. With Alpha hospitality, serving, words of wisdom, etc. all count—not just those with the gift of evangelism.
   

3. Alpha makes evangelism possible for all the groups or departments in a church: the youth, men’s and women’s groups, etc. They each could run a course or the church could funnel people from those groups onto the next Alpha course.
   

4. Many churches have the notion, the idea they should do evangelism and discipleship—few are able to make that value real, concrete. Running an Alpha course helps a church integrate by changing notional values into real values.
   

5. Genuine, valued relationships are formed on an Alpha course. These relationships provide a real stickiness to a church helping course graduates become fruitful members and leaders in church.
   

Alpha has an integrating force in the life of the church because it is much more than a program for evangelism. Alpha is a factory for leadership in church— leaders who are close to the “harvest”, who have friends outside the church. Alpha creates disciples, not just converts. Guests on the Alpha course are introduced to life in the Spirit, life as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom. Integration, over time, is almost guaranteed when the Spirit begins to move.