2009 Church Stories 

Learn what God did in some of the churches that participated in the 2009 Alpha Invitation. 

Quicklink: Summit Church, MN

The Worship Center, Lancaster, PA - Alpha Leader Joe Castronova shares what happened:

This last session of Alpha, God used us in a mighty way to further His Kingdom in Lancaster County. He changed many lives, and gave others a new desire to pursue Jesus in a greater way.  While parents attended Alpha, over 90 children were fed, diapered, loved, taught, and nurtured, all while helping the kids have a blast. Leaders shared their hearts and opened others. Coffee servers showed the love of Christ through latté’s and cappuccinos. The kitchen team served wonderful meals to hundreds each week. The welcome team introduced people to Alpha through warmth and welcoming smiles. The retreat team created a wonderful environment for the Holy Spirit to work. The set-up team gave us a great atmosphere and worked hard each night with tear-down. The worship team showed us God’s heart. Let’s celebrate in our hearts what we and God accomplished together!   Here are the satistical highlights: Together we are reaching people under 40: 65% of attendees were under 40. Nationally 30% of church goers are under 40, according to Hammet & Pierce, “Reaching People Under 40”. Together we are reaching the un-churched: About 20% were not churched. This does not included people that were not Christians and attending church, or people in this category that did not turn in feedback questionnaires. Nationally, only 1% of churches reach anyone un-churched, according to David Laubach from Baptist World Alliance. People made decisions for Christ: 49 people made a decision over this session of Alpha! Together we are reaching men: 50% that attended this past session were men. Nationally 35% of church goers are men, according to Murrow, “Why Men Hate Church.” Ten life change snapshots   These were written down on the last night of Alpha. They truly represent that heart of change, love, acceptance, and growth in this session of Alpha. For those of us that know these people it is truly amazing.   Kyle: How did you hear about Alpha? Sister Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Questioning Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? A believing Christian How did change occur? Over the course, but I was overwhelmed on the retreat   Eric: How did you hear about Alpha? A friend Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Searching for God Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? Seeking harder with a direction to look   Patrick: How did you hear about Alpha? Friend Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? I was empty inside. Needed direction in life. Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? True believer, filled with it How did change occur? Attendance at Alpha and discussions.   Deb: How did you hear about Alpha? Friend Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Didn’t have much faith Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? I think I’m going down the right path. How did change occur? The “no pressure” approach at Alpha helped me learn. It felt like family around the dinner table to me.   Michelle: How did you hear about Alpha? Co-worker Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Struggling to give myself to God Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? Better. More open and less critical of myself. How did change occur? By listening and talking to other Christians and hearing that all Christians struggle sometimes. I now feel like I can talk about my faith!   George: How did you hear about Alpha? My wife Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Far away Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? A lot closer How did change occur? During Alpha   Nicole: How did you hear about Alpha? Friend Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Believed, but didn’t see that I needed church or God. Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? Realize need for a relationship with God. How did change occur? Through friends I met at Alpha and the relationships that opened my eyes.   Kaleena: How did you hear about Alpha? Husband Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Lost beliefs Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? A believer, devoted every day How did change occur? Over the weeks at Alpha, conversations   Katie How did you hear about Alpha? My mom got an email Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? I believed in God but wasn’t sure about Christianity. Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? Saturday night a few times How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? My life has changed and I’m trying to live more for God. I learned so much about what it means to be a Christian. How did change occur? After the Retreat   Crystal: How did you hear about Alpha? Friend Before Alpha, how would you have described yourself in terms of Christian Faith? Lost, confused, did not know where to go for answers. Did you attend Worship Center before Alpha? No How would you describe yourself now in terms of the Christian Faith? I feel stronger in my faith and know I can count always on one person and that is Jesus. I have peace in my life. How did change occur? I started noticing the change after the first Alpha class - when we talked about proof of the bible. Psalm 111: “Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."

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Summit Church, St. Paul, MN Alpha Coordinator I was a little apprehensive initially, but the Alpha Invitation resulted in a 150% increase in attendance at our Fall Alpha course. We have run Alpha for 6 years and normally get about 24 guests. This year we had 60 - that was a direct result of the increased publicity, a dedicated (all Alpha) Sunday service, prayer by the church as a whole and regular Wednesday evening intercessory prayer meetings led by our Pastor. The prayer by the regional Twin Cities Alpha team was instrumental and networking across church lines and denominations also helped. The thing that struck me was how excited people became and how much more willing they were to invite people...They felt that they weren't alone.