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Original poster

Alpha - anyone starting the course this Autumn?

289 replies

newbeliever · 19/09/2010 20:56

Hi everyone, I mentioned on another thread about starting a thread for Alpha newbies.

I have signed up to do the course this Autumn, starts Tuesday, 28th September. Was quite surprised when I rang the parish office, there are about 40 people on the course - and it's for 3 hours each week - I was thinking 2 hours max! They start the evening off with dinner and drinks before moving onto the topic for the week. How do your churches run the course?

Thought it would be nice to share our thoughts each week in a safe place - I'm worried about not knowing what to say or just not understanding the topic so would be good to have some fellow MNr's on the journey too.

Anyone else want to join me? Smile

OP posts:
WillowFae · 16/12/2010 18:57

Wow - I looked on YouTube and couldn't find Tears from Heaven! Good memories.

WillowFae · 16/12/2010 18:58

Thanks Jaffacake :)

Well, I'm off to my final Alpha in a few minutes. Sad that it is coming to an end :(

oxocube · 16/12/2010 19:09

Am so happy for you and know exactly how you feel Grin Grin.

Have just been sent this link by one of my church leaders and wanted to share - Jesus in the digital age!! What would it be like if Jesus were born today?

Nativity today

MrsCadwallader · 16/12/2010 19:41

Oxo - that's great! Grin

oxocube · 16/12/2010 19:42

I know Grin

madangelhaironchristmasday · 16/12/2010 20:25

Love that Oxo, have posted it on fb, brilliant :) Willow hope the last alpha goes well.

WillowFae · 16/12/2010 23:17

Alpha was good tonight, although unfortunately 2 out of the 4 of us were unable to be there. I'm sad that it is over :( Obviously it has had a MAJOR affect on my life!

The church do a 'Freedom in Christ' course which I could do starting in January. My priority now has to be to decide which church to attend. There is another NF church which is larger and has more going on for children, which is a big consideration. They also do the 'Freedom in Christ' course so it would be good to decide before they both start.

Hmm, decisions decisions!

oxocube · 17/12/2010 06:48

Can I ask, Willow, your Freedom in Christ course - are you doing it as a group or individually? I'm doing this but 1-1 with my alpha leader. I find some of the stuff so personal that I don't think I could honestly work through the book in even a small group.

I am so happy for you. Good luck with your choice of church Smile

madangelhaironchristmasday · 17/12/2010 11:16

I'd be interested to hear about the Freedom In Christ course. I'm looking for something to do with my group in the new year and wonder if that would be suitable. Any info on it?

WillowFae · 17/12/2010 21:45

I think it is a group thing oxocube. Interesting what you say about it though.

Had a lovely evening today. DD (aged 3) was invited to the children's Christmas party with Church. They booked out a local soft play place after they closed so we had the place to ourselves. She had a wonderful time and was taken under the wing of a couple of older children as I couldn't climb around with her due to my broken toe. She has only been to church twice so it was really nice that they invited her. :)

I spoke to some parents there as well, and told a couple of them that I had become a Christian on Tuesday :)

oxocube · 18/12/2010 07:36

madhair, the book we are talking about is called 'Steps to Freedom in Christ' by Neil Anderson. My understanding is that it is often used post-Alpha. It basically is a checklist of how we conduct our lives, things we have done in the past which need to be thought about or prayed about and a series of prayers to address specific aspects of our lives today.

I am still undecided about it (although I am in the early stages of studying the book with one of my Alpha leaders). It is written by an American author, pastor and teacher. Bear in mind that you are asked to answer some very personal questions and deal with issues I don't feel are problems (for example, renouncing the sin of homosexuality). Regarding studying this as part of a group - I just couldn't in all honesty do it. For example, in one chapter called Bondage versus Freedom, you are asked to name every occassion when you had sex outside marriage, every time you looked at pornography and ask God to free you from this bondage. There are then specific prayers to ask for forgiveness.

Am unsure whether this is right for me but will give it a go for the next couple of weeks Confused

MrsCadwallader · 18/12/2010 08:38

Oxo, really?! Shock

Personally, I'd run a million miles Confused but maybe I'm just a miserable sinner WinkShock

oxocube · 18/12/2010 08:45

Well I've only done the introduction and the first chapter so far. I will be honest with the leader though and say that I can't pray some of the prayers as I don't agree with the 'sins' Hmm. I have a horrible feeling I won't get past chapter 2 Blush

To be fair, there is some good stuff in the book too but the people I know who have studied this and enjoyed it have led much more virtuous lives than mine.

madangelhaironchristmasday · 18/12/2010 10:01

Thanks oxo - our description tells me it is totally not the right thing for my group at this time! Xmas Grin

Willow glad you enjoyed the church party so much - and that dd did :)

madangelhaironchristmasday · 18/12/2010 10:02

should be your dscription

madangelhaironchristmasday · 18/12/2010 10:02

aaagh give up!!

PositiveAttitude · 18/12/2010 10:07

Oh Oxo, I too would run a mile!! I do not think that some of those issues should be discussed with others and you should not be forced to say any repentance without agreeing with it all. It does sound like a very American viewpoint IMO. I am not saying that I disagree with the Bible about things, that is not the issue here. The issue is that I would feel pressure to "conform", even if I felt it not right. I suggest that these issues are between you and God, alone!

Some Americanisms can come across as too occult-y for me. God will guide you and if you are walking with Him, he will understand where you are and hold your hand through any difficult stuff he wants out of your life. He does it as He wants it done, not always the same way as a book may take you through.

I feel there is a danger of you feeling a second class Christian if you disagree with some of the issues. God doesn't do second class, only ever first class. He only has children, not grandchildren!! Stick with Him, learn from Him, take guidance from Him. (And you can always ask our opinion Xmas Grin)

I am sure your leader will only want what is best for you and there are loads of options out there, so it may be an idea to discuss it with her and see what she comes up with. I know The Purpose Driven Life has been mentioned on here before, but thats a really good "life" book to take you further. Do you have a good Christian bookshop near you, you could go and look to see what there is there and one may be more suitable.

Sorry, maybe I am coming across as really bossy and dominating. Not meaning to, ignore this if you disagree with me!! Xmas Blush

oxocube · 18/12/2010 11:40

Ha PA Xmas Grin. You don't seem bossy at all!! In fact, the more I read and think about this book, the more I think its possibly not for me. There is quite a big focus on driving out Satan and renouncing evil which, I accept, is part of Christianity but not a part I feel I want to really dwell on IYSWIM.

Actually, one of the things I said on the Alpha course when people were discussing things they had done 'wrong' in their lives, was that my sins were between me and God and I don't feel I need to air them. That said, I feel there may be something to be gained by discussing certain things confidentially with a church/Alpha leader. I'm not sure how closely we stick to the book - if it is just used as a guide, then it may be useful but if I am expected to follow it all as written, then its not for me. I'm going to UK tomorrow PA so will look out for the Purpose Driven Life as I've heard many good things about it Xmas Smile

Am actually flicking through the book now and know I won't be able to pray for submission to my husband's will (Ephesians), about the 'sins' of abortion and masturbation or pray about the fear that I may be homosexual (not that I think I may be, but it is listed as one of the things to pray about)[sigh] Xmas Sad

My Alpha leader is incredibly grounded and sensible and I can't imagine her really getting worked up about stuff like this.

WillowFae · 18/12/2010 13:54

Eek that does sound intense! Will have to speak to them to find out more.

PositiveAttitude · 18/12/2010 16:36

You have to pray about the fear of being homosexual!! Shock Shock Shock

I believe that once you have come before God and said sorry for your past wrongs, all is forgiven. You don't have to go over everything and pick your life apart. If you do that you are not accepting God's grace and forgiveness.

I will shut up now because I could get very wound up and say probably more than I should. Please, just be careful. I am not saying that your leader is trying to do something wrong, it is a very personal thing and perhaps some people would benefit from this, but i know I wouldn't.

WillowFae · 18/12/2010 18:52

I agree PA. In one of Nicky Gumbel's books he talks about a big pond with a 'no fishing' sign. All of your past wrongs are thrown into the pond and you aren't allowed to go fishing for them.

WillowFae · 18/12/2010 18:55

I quite like the look of the 'Challenging Lifestyles' courses that HTB do.

oxocube · 19/12/2010 08:32

PA, you are so lovely Xmas Smile

oxocube · 19/12/2010 08:36

WF, the 'no fishing' sign is I think a reference to Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch lady who helped to hide Jews during the Holocaust. Her teachings and beliefs focussed very much on forgiveness. Her birthplace is Haarlem in Holland, about 50 km from me and I'm going to the museum over the Christmas holiday. My ds has just downloaded a film of her life, made in the 70's called The Hiding Place Smile

PositiveAttitude · 19/12/2010 09:16

Well, thank you oxo Xmas Grin.

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