ALPHA
Currently, I’m involved with a 3 month bible study group called Alpha. Alpha is a study of the tenets of Christianity. There are 14 studies with study numbers 8, 9 & 10 done at what is called the weekend away. One of the sessions is called “Who is Jesus.” Some of the other sessions are called Why Did Jesus Have to Die, How Can I Avoid Sin and Why and How Do I Pray. The course is presented by a man named Nicky Gumbel who is Vicker of the Holy Trinity Church in Brompton, England. The weekend away was spent at a church camp on Silver Lake just 15 or so miles west of Spokane. All the other meetings have been at Eastpoint Church in the Spokane Valley. At these meetings, we have dinner, sing some praise songs and watch a 30 or so minute video about that day’s lesson. Afterward, we have a discussion around the table of what that day’s lesson means to us. Alpha utilizes a great format where all questions are legitimate, and no one is the teacher. We have a table host who asks questions from a leader’s guided book, and 1 or 2 helpers who are there to help stimulate conversation. This is the 3rd time I’ve attended Alpha, with the last two times being used as a helper. Maybe next time I’ll be the host.
One of the unique things about this study group is the friendships you make along the way. Opening up and revealing some of your intimate feelings about Christianity has a way of making lasting friendships.
At the weekend away, the study is about the Holy Spirit. The lessons are Who Is The Holy Spirit, What Does The Holy Spirit Do, and How Can I Be Filled With The Spirit. It’s a very powerful weekend! If you have ever wondered what it’s like to have The Holy Spirit fill your life with His presence then this is a class you will not want to miss. Personally, I really enjoyed the weekend away and I look forward to the last few meetings.
