Many of our churches are once again opening their doors, having in-person worship services, Bible studies, confirmation classes, and dare I say even hosting coffee hours!

Even though we may be making progress, these last few years have left many congregations struggling with the dilemma of how to restart, reengage, to rejuvenate their members so as to get them back through the doors of our churches. How do we once again begin to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission of making disciples, baptizing, and teaching believers to obey everything we have received from God?

St. James Lutheran Church asked themselves these same questions. They came up with a very basic, yet excellent solution. They needed to go back to the beginning.

They would begin with The Alpha Course.

The Alpha Course “was created to outline the core principles of the Christian faith that all denominations agree on. We believe that what unites us is infinitely greater than what divides us. The Alpha Course is an effective form of evangelism when run by and through the local church.”1

The Alpha Course benefits all levels of believers who desire to become grounded in the Gospel and filled with the Holy Spirit. For ten consecutive weeks, people gather together, share a meal, watch very engaging thought-provoking videos, and then share their thoughts about what they viewed.

Non-judgmental discussions give participants a safe and open platform for conversation. No one is made to feel inferior, especially if they have questions or are struggling with doubts regarding the subject matter. These ground rules can open the door to new and creative ideas on how basic principles can be put into practice, thus creating active disciples of Jesus Christ.

How does the Alpha journey begin? After bathing this entire experience with prayer, the leadership of St. James promoted the course during church barbecues, beach days, and throughout summer worship services. Leaders invited everyone — church members and especially their friends outside the church — encouraging everyone to participate in this great program.

“All the people attending the Alpha course were very warm and welcoming. For me, Alpha was a spiritual re-awakening. Excellent for all people no matter where they are on their walk with God. An overall great experience!” says attendee Joshua Guteres.

St. James Lutheran Church wound up with three consecutively running Alpha groups:

• Mom’s Group including eight participants meeting during preschool hours with baby-sitting provided;
• Tuesday evening group with five leaders and 10 participants;
• Thursday group with seven leaders and 25 participants.

Each participant experienced outstanding hospitality from their group’s host, a delectable dinner, wine, and lots and lots of fun, and this was even before the group dove into the video and discussion!

The culmination of the course, a.k.a. “The Holy Spirit Day,” was held on the grounds of Mill Neck Manor Lutheran School for the Deaf. The 86 acres of beautifully landscaped property provided the perfect venue for the final meeting of all the Alpha groups. Members gathered, shared a meal, and then openly shared and prayed for the overflowing of the Holy Spirit to enter everyone’s hearts.

What’s the next step? What comes after Alpha?

“Alpha is a great way to introduce the process of grounding people in the Gospel and filling them to overflowing with His Holy Spirit. Once this is accomplished, many can move on to the next step known as the Beta Course,” says Pr. Neil Mittelstaedt.

The Beta Course will center on teaching discipleship, teaching people how to be actively participating in the mission of God as part of their daily lifestyle. Participants do this by implementing these seven discipleship practices in their daily life:

1. Seek His Kingdom
2. Hear from Jesus
3. Associate with unbelievers
4. Complete acts of service
5. Participate in a prayer ministry
6. Honor the Sabbath
7. Commit to community (small group)

Pr. Neil writes, “While these seven practices are not themselves the mission, they do equip us to join with Jesus on His mission.”

Beta will help guide participants on how they can put what they have heard, and hopefully believe, into practice through prayer, reading the Bible, and telling others about Jesus Christ and His faithfulness in their lives.

Deacon Deb Cavacchioli of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection said, "The Alpha course is an excellent introduction to Christianity as well as an encouragement and wonderful exhortation for long-time believers. I would highly recommend this course to anyone and everyone!"

1. Footnote: https://alpha.org/about/