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After ALPHA, What?
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
March 15, 2011
Millions of Christians around the world have completed the ALPHA course in a variety of venues. Its objective is to present the gospel winsomely and compellingly to people with little or no faith in a relaxed, friendly, non-threatening setting. Questions like-Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? -- are asked and answered. The results have been enormously successful. ALPHA has become a worldwide phenomenon.
It is now found in over 160 countries and run in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations. More than 15 million people have taken this opportunity to explore the meaning of life.
Many Christians are now asking, where to from here? What's next? The Rev. Dr. Peter Moore, former President of Trinity School for Ministry, has found a way to keep people coming to church or group during spring, summer, or fall with his Journey in Discipleship course enabling Christians to draw new depths and add new vibrancy to their faith. His course in discipleship is must reading. A world leader in Anglicanism, Dr. J. I. Packer says of it, "Clear, economical exposition with vivid illustrations...a Bible-based, Creed-centered catechetical course that will serve the church well."
A Step Further - The Journey in Discipleship Course has been put onto DVD and re-formatted for your parish, group, or organization to use as a stimulus to real growth in the walk of faith.
Developed as a resource to follow the ALPHA course, this course may also prove useful as a follow-up to any other introductory course that seeks to move people from skepticism or nominal faith into a personal relationship with Christ.
A Step Further can be used either over an 8-week period (for those really eager to learn) or it can be more relaxed and extend for 16 weeks -- allowing people time to digest the readings and have a small group meeting in between the DVD talks.
A Step Further includes 8 DVD talks (of approximately 30-35 minutes length) by Peter Moore set in a living room context, with headings and occasional photos of people or places mentioned. It covers many of the topics about which people are still likely to have serious questions: What really is a disciple? Why believe the Bible? What is the cost going to be? Is there a true spirituality and a false spirituality? How can I know more about the Holy Spirit? What struggles am I likely to face? How can I learn to pray? Where are we headed?
The book, A Step Further - the Journey in Discipleship was originally published by Thomas Nelson as One Lord, One Faith. This attractive new format includes a revised introductory chapter that deals with the question of "How can I affirm Truth in a postmodern age?" and leads to an exposition of the Faith using phrases from the Apostles' Creed.
Finally, the course book, A Traveler's Guide, gives further readings, outlines ways the course can be used, and has questions for group discussion. The books must be ordered separately (by calling Saints Alive Bookstore, Charleston, SC: tel: 843-725-5483, or e-mail: saintsalive@stmichaelschurch.net) but the kit containing all three pieces may be purchased by going to the website: www.astepfurtherdiscipleship.com). The kit sells for $79.50. Also the Traveler's Guide may be downloaded for a modest additional cost so that it can be printed locally as a savings.
This resource has been used by hundreds. Now it is available for your church or group.
You can view it here: http://astepfurtherdiscipleship.com/
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