by Matt MacLean

I am an Alpha dropout. I came to Bethany about three years ago as a seeker. I noticed the announcement in the bulletin about Alpha, and with my wife’s loving nudge I decided to give it a go. I made it for the first few weeks, but my weekly basketball league felt a bit more compelling.

As time passed I had made a commitment to Christ, but still had unresolved questions and doubts. It was around that time that a dynamic guy from my neck of the woods (Go Bears!!!) made an announcement in church about Alpha. I felt God calling me back to Alpha, so I decided to give it another try.

It was the first time I felt the purpose of God’s calling in a very powerful way. Alpha was the perfect forum to ask questions and discuss my doubts in a safe environment. Every week brought new discussions, new questions and new revelations. I was in the midst of a community—and it was very real. Friendships were formed, questions were answered and the Holy Spirit was present in amazing ways.

Since that time, my wife and I have continued to be a part of Alpha. We have seen God work in amazing and unique ways for people with very diverse backgrounds and in various stages of their walk with Christ. From the person who has been a Christian their entire life, to the non-believer, to the Associate Pastor–God is changing lives through Alpha!!!

Although Alpha is a program that is designed for people who are seeking, it does not stop there. It is a program that has touched the lives of the most seasoned Christians, as well as those that have never heard of Christ. I am writing to share with you what I have seen through Alpha and invite you to be a part of it. I have seen:

• A young woman who knew God with her mind, but was struggling to know Him with her heart.
• A young man who had been a Christian his whole life and thought he had it figured out, but was shown a different path.
• A single mother who encountered Christ for the first time and whose mother came to know Him as well.
• A woman who grew up in a different culture and religion accept Christ.
• A participant struggling with housing find a home through the Alpha community.
• An Alpha dropout who encountered Christ, and is now in a leadership role in Alpha.

These are but a few of the many examples of how God has worked through Alpha.

If you know of someone who may be an Alpha dropout or if you yourself are in danger of dropping out—spread the word and come join us. It just might change your life. Alpha starts Monday, October 2nd at 6:00 pm. Come, check it out, have a great meal and then decide whether or not you want to be a part of Alpha.

Contact Beth or Matt MacLean to learn about volunteering or participating in Alpha at beth_maclean@yahoo.com.