The Alpha curriculum, replete with its integration of the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates, promotes and celebrates diversity and global citizenship along with enabling a deep knowledge and appreciation of Emirati culture, heritage and language. LIFEPAC 1st Grade Bible is a wonderful introduction to the Bible and its major themes. In this colorful homeschool program your child will enjoy learning about God's love, prayer, and Jesus. This Alpha Omega curriculum also covers Old and New Testament Bible characters like Jonah, David, Zacchaeus, and Paul.
The Alpha Course is a course that has been used by many as a way toattempt to introduce the false doctrines and practices of the Third Waveinto mainstream denominations.
I was dumbfounded when I found out some of the people who endorse thiscourse. Among them were the Salvation Army and, most notably, LuisPalau. Here is his endorsement that is featured on the Alpha Courseweb page:
'Alpha seems especially blessed in that the Lord is using it to reachall sorts of people in all sorts of spiritual condition.' (http://www.alphana.org/alendo01.htm)
The Alpha Course, though teaching some truth, also lays truth alongsideerror. The wooing of people using the gospel message, only to laterenslave them in ritualism, works salvation, and occult manifestations isone of the great deceptions of our time. One of the cleverest ploysof the enemy in our day is to allow 'unprincipled' men to use the salvationmessage as an enticment to unsuspecting and untrained people, while theysecretly introduce false doctrine, thereby giving 'the devil a foothold'for fleshly manifestations and temptations in their lives. The menwho designed this course are laying error alongside truth, introducingerror secretly ('pareisaxousinin' in Greek) the result of which will ruinthe faith of the believer in the end. The Bible says of this process:
'But there were also false prophets among the people, just as therewill be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructiveheresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swiftdestruction on themselves.' (2 Pet. 2:1)
Beware of the Alpha Course!
Perhaps the preachers and evangelists who have endorsed this courseneed to take a longer look at their Bibles. Jesus NEVER laid hands on hisdisciples, the result of which were 'manifestations' of uncontrollablelaughter, mayhem, shaking, animal noises, vomitting, or any of the otherdemonic disorder of the Toronto and Brownsville 'things'. Luis Palau,of all people, had better wake up to this deception that is sweeping thechurches of Europe and is now being used around the world.
For a good critique on the dangers of this course, visit this web site:
'The Alpha Course' by Chris Hand
http://www.banner.org.uk/misc/alpha.html
http://www.banner.org.uk/misc/alpha.html
Also, ready this analysis at the same site:
'Alpha Course Goes Nationwide In Britain' by Tricia Tillin
http://www.banner.org.uk/news/9804.html#Alpha
http://www.banner.org.uk/news/9804.html#Alpha
Following are two e-mails, then an article detailing the dangers ofthe Alpha Course. The first e-mail confirms that Luis Palau has indeedendorsed this dangerous course. The second alerts Christians to thefact the the Church of Rome is now using the course for its own purposes. The article following is a critique of the Alpha Course. We hopeyou will find this information useful when some member of your church attmeptsto introduce this course into your church!
From D. C.
Alpha 10-3-98
Alpha 10-3-98
Blessings!
The foundations of the Alpha course were originally laid in 1979 throughthe work of Charles Marnham. During his time at Holy Trinity Brompton inwest London (one of the main proponants of the Toronto 'Blessing' and whereSteve Hill of Brownsville picked up his ability to 'slay people in thespirit'), he sought to devise a course to look at the basics of the Christianfaith in a way that would be helpful to new Christians.
After Marnham's initial input, Alpha gradually evolved. One ofthe key figures in this and the main architect of the Alpha course as itnow exists is Nicky Gumbel, currently curate at Holy Trinity Brompton. It was through Gumbel's vision and work that Alpha grew to have the impactit has today.
Alpha has some well-known champions and supporters......
George Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury
David Hope, the Archbishop of York
Alistair McGrath of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and Regent College, Vancouver
Luis Palau, international evangelist
J.I. Packer of Regent College, Vancouver
The late John Wimber of the Vineyard churches
R.T. Kendall of Westminster Chapel
Joel Edwards of the Evangelical Alliance
David Hope, the Archbishop of York
Alistair McGrath of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and Regent College, Vancouver
Luis Palau, international evangelist
J.I. Packer of Regent College, Vancouver
The late John Wimber of the Vineyard churches
R.T. Kendall of Westminster Chapel
Joel Edwards of the Evangelical Alliance
Interesting to say the least...beloved let us discern the times!
D.A.C. <@}}}><
From I.C.
Alpha 10-2-98
Alpha 10-2-98
Dear Friends,
The plot thickens and yet becomes at the same time more clear. Thisnote concerns what we already know about Alpha courses, and two recentreports in the Daily Telegraph. The first DT item was on 30th Sept. p10,about the World Council of Churches. The second on 1st. Oct., about theChurch of Rome and the Eucharist.
We all (I hope) know that Alpha has become a front for both Ecumenismand Toronto. It is therefore not surprising that its Theological contentis lacking in many respects. Any course that can appeal to the range oftraditions and denominations that Alpha does; must of necessity sacrificemany essential truths. It is to be expected, and yet sad to observe, somany 'evangelicals' going happily and willingly down this 'broad' road.This fact alone, of course, begs the question; just exactly what is anevangelical today? It is suggested by this aspect of Alpha alone,that every evangelical participating in Alpha, is betraying the very Gospelthey claim to uphold. When people ask me how can I be so critical of somethingof which I have no personal experience; my usual reply is that I do notneed to put my hand into a fire to prove if it will burn.
The second aspect of my note is about the Roman Catholic position inecumenical matters. Here again most evangelicals must be either blind orignorant of Rome's way of doing things. Rome has never changed one iotaof the articles of the Council of Trent. Her attitude has always been oneof waiting and persuading all to return to the 'One True Church'. Whileeveryone else it seems is only too willing to compromise in the ecumenicalcause, Rome has steadfastly given nothing away. It never ceases to amazeme, that so many think Rome is somehow different since Vatican 2. Thisis the cleverness of the Roman system. She lulls everyone into a senseof false security before swallowing them up. Just look at how many of ourinstitutional churches and others are making overtures to Rome, and youbegin to see how successful Rome has been. She lulls everyone into thinkingshe is sharing, when all the time she is taking over. This is why Alphais a ready tool for Rome to exploit. While everyone is enjoying a mealand warm company, totally unaware of what is really going on under theirvery noses.
A futher point to notice since the Songs of Praise program devoted toAlpha, is the dishonesty of the propaganda. Did any of you notice how Alpha'shistory was glossed over in half a sentence; and how Nicky Gumbel was strangelyabsent in voice. You have to admit the propagandists have done a very skillfulpiece of work, but then this is precisely what you would expect from somethingthat will be a major factor in the World Church scene.
To speak against Alpha is being made very difficult, but is all themore necessary. We see churches and fellowships going headlong into thisabyss, but some will listen and be saved, and so we carry on. Incidentally,I just received in today's post a leaflet from the Salvation Armypromoting Alpha for young people.
God help us all. God bless you all,
I.C.
I.C.
Lookingat - THE ALPHA COURSE
byTricia Tillin
http://www.banner.org.uk/ms/ms2962.html
http://www.banner.org.uk/ms/ms2962.html
The following article appeared in The Times, 11 May 1996,
WOMAN LEADS CHURCH BOYCOTT IN ROW OVER
EVANGELICAL PIG-SNORTING
EVANGELICAL PIG-SNORTING
A WOMAN has walked out of her church and is holding services in her living
room, because she says she cannot bring herself to 'snort like a pig andbark
like a dog' on a Church of England course. Angie Golding, 50, claims she
was denied confirmation unless she signed up for the Alpha course, whichshe
says is a 'brainwashing' exercise where participants speak in tongues,make
animal noises and then fall over.
room, because she says she cannot bring herself to 'snort like a pig andbark
like a dog' on a Church of England course. Angie Golding, 50, claims she
was denied confirmation unless she signed up for the Alpha course, whichshe
says is a 'brainwashing' exercise where participants speak in tongues,make
animal noises and then fall over.
She has left the evangelical St Marks in Broadwater Down, Kent, with 14
members of the congregation and founded a church at home in Tunbridge
Wells. She said: 'I'll be a fool for the Lord any day, but I won't be afool for
man.'
members of the congregation and founded a church at home in Tunbridge
Wells. She said: 'I'll be a fool for the Lord any day, but I won't be afool for
man.'
However, the church last night denied that she had been refused
confirmation, and course organisers said she had misunderstood the natureof
the event... 'St Mark's is running an Alpha course at the moment whicha
number of people are attending. Those being confirmed this summer are
attending the course as well.'
confirmation, and course organisers said she had misunderstood the natureof
the event... 'St Mark's is running an Alpha course at the moment whicha
number of people are attending. Those being confirmed this summer are
attending the course as well.'
Mark Elsdon-Drew, of Holy Trinity Brompton, said the Alpha course included
lectures on the Holy Spirit. 'It affects different people in differentways.' He
said the course had the 'overwhelming support' of Church leaders and
theologians: 'The suggestion of animal noises in connection with the course
is unwarranted and could not have been made by anyone who is familiar with
the material.'
lectures on the Holy Spirit. 'It affects different people in differentways.' He
said the course had the 'overwhelming support' of Church leaders and
theologians: 'The suggestion of animal noises in connection with the course
is unwarranted and could not have been made by anyone who is familiar with
the material.'
Everyone is asking 'What about Alpha?' What is it, and what are we to believe
about it?
about it?
The Alpha course is an evangelistic initiative begun by Holy Trinity Brompton-
perhaps better known now for its promotion of the Toronto Blessing.
perhaps better known now for its promotion of the Toronto Blessing.
The official history of the Alpha Course begins 16 years ago when a memberof
HTB, Charles Marnham, set up an informal home group to present answersto
basic gospel questions. However, HTB curate, Nicky Gumbel, transformedthe
course into what we see today. [see endnote] It is designed to appeal to
non-believers, with every detail - the food, flowers, hospitality and questions-
aimed at disarming the unchurched.
HTB, Charles Marnham, set up an informal home group to present answersto
basic gospel questions. However, HTB curate, Nicky Gumbel, transformedthe
course into what we see today. [see endnote] It is designed to appeal to
non-believers, with every detail - the food, flowers, hospitality and questions-
aimed at disarming the unchurched.
The final weekend away is a vital part of the course - and this has attractedthe
most criticism, as it gives a chance for the leaders, if they are so disposed,to
present the Holy Spirit in an experimental fashion to a captive audience.The course
always ends with a Supper laid on to which more non-believers are invited,and so
the process continues.
most criticism, as it gives a chance for the leaders, if they are so disposed,to
present the Holy Spirit in an experimental fashion to a captive audience.The course
always ends with a Supper laid on to which more non-believers are invited,and so
the process continues.
Whatever else can be said about the Alpha Course, it has been a runawaysuccess.
In 1991 there were just four courses involving 600 people; in 1993 therewere
fewer than 10 courses being held in Britain. Now there are an estimated3,000
being run regularly three times a year, more than 500 of them overseas.These are
being run by every denomination, including Catholic.
In 1991 there were just four courses involving 600 people; in 1993 therewere
fewer than 10 courses being held in Britain. Now there are an estimated3,000
being run regularly three times a year, more than 500 of them overseas.These are
being run by every denomination, including Catholic.
One difficulty in pinning down the problems with the Alpha Course is thateach
church running the course will use the materials in a different way. Thusit is
feasible, in theory at least, that a church might avoid all controversyand simply use
the course to preach the gospel to unbelievers. This does leave unansweredthe
question - why does any church need to buy a course to be able to preachthe
gospel?
church running the course will use the materials in a different way. Thusit is
feasible, in theory at least, that a church might avoid all controversyand simply use
the course to preach the gospel to unbelievers. This does leave unansweredthe
question - why does any church need to buy a course to be able to preachthe
gospel?
However, there are deep concerns. Below I present some thoughts on theAlpha
Course by a Christian (i) who grew alarmed when viewing the course materials.It
is a personal view but I believe it speaks for many.
Course by a Christian (i) who grew alarmed when viewing the course materials.It
is a personal view but I believe it speaks for many.
Alpha certainly starts by preaching the gospel; the first three talks onVideo One
focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the three talks on videoTwo
which cover fundamental steps for new Christians, such as 'How can I besure of
my faith?', 'Why and how should I read the Bible?' and 'Why and how shouldI
pray?' are all good. But as the course progresses, some of the talks tendto wander
off into lengthy accounts of HTB's experiences of the Toronto Blessingand
associated ministries, novel exegeses of various Biblical passages commonamongst
pro-Toronto preachers, calls for unity despite truth and an over-emphasison the
Holy Spirit, all of which are less than helpful, to say the least, to potential
Christians.
focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the three talks on videoTwo
which cover fundamental steps for new Christians, such as 'How can I besure of
my faith?', 'Why and how should I read the Bible?' and 'Why and how shouldI
pray?' are all good. But as the course progresses, some of the talks tendto wander
off into lengthy accounts of HTB's experiences of the Toronto Blessingand
associated ministries, novel exegeses of various Biblical passages commonamongst
pro-Toronto preachers, calls for unity despite truth and an over-emphasison the
Holy Spirit, all of which are less than helpful, to say the least, to potential
Christians.
Clearly the aim is to bring as many into God's Kingdom as possible butby the end
of the course I cannot help feeling that the Toronto Blessing may havebeen the
greater beneficiary.
of the course I cannot help feeling that the Toronto Blessing may havebeen the
greater beneficiary.
The Alpha course was virtually unknown until Eleanor Mumford of the South-West
London Vineyard church brought the Toronto Blessing from the Toronto Airport
Vineyard church in Canada to HTB, via Nicky Gumbel in May 1994, (ii) and
Nicky Gumbel spends a substantial amount of time relating to Alpha participantsin
video 3 talk 9, exactly how it occurred:
London Vineyard church brought the Toronto Blessing from the Toronto Airport
Vineyard church in Canada to HTB, via Nicky Gumbel in May 1994, (ii) and
Nicky Gumbel spends a substantial amount of time relating to Alpha participantsin
video 3 talk 9, exactly how it occurred:
'Ellie Mumford told us a little bit of what she had seen in Toronto....it was
obvious that Ellie was just dying to pray for all of us.. then she said'Now
we'll invite the Holy Spirit to come.' and the moment she said that oneof the
people there was thrown, literally, across the room and was lying on the
floor, just howling and laughing....making the most incredible noise....I
experienced the power of the Spirit in a way I hadn't experienced for years,
like massive electricity going through my body... One of the guys was
prophesying. He was just lying there prophesying. . .'
obvious that Ellie was just dying to pray for all of us.. then she said'Now
we'll invite the Holy Spirit to come.' and the moment she said that oneof the
people there was thrown, literally, across the room and was lying on the
floor, just howling and laughing....making the most incredible noise....I
experienced the power of the Spirit in a way I hadn't experienced for years,
like massive electricity going through my body... One of the guys was
prophesying. He was just lying there prophesying. . .'
Gumbel's description of the antics that went on in the vestry of HTB aftertheir
invocation of the Spirit seems to me to bear no resemblance at all to what
happened on the day of Pentecost. (iii)
invocation of the Spirit seems to me to bear no resemblance at all to what
happened on the day of Pentecost. (iii)
Yet Alpha participants are being taught all this as part of an evangelistic/Christian
Living course as though it is normal and desirable, with absolutely nomention made
of the need to test the spirits (1 John 4:3), and at the end of this talkare prayed for,
corporately, to receive it. Thus, they are initiated into the Toronto Blessingwithout
a whimper of protest amongst them.
Living course as though it is normal and desirable, with absolutely nomention made
of the need to test the spirits (1 John 4:3), and at the end of this talkare prayed for,
corporately, to receive it. Thus, they are initiated into the Toronto Blessingwithout
a whimper of protest amongst them.
'I believe it is no coincidence that the present movement of the Holy Spirit
[TB] has come at the same time as the explosion of the Alpha Courses. I
think the two go together.' [Nicky Gumbel, 'The Spirit and Evangelism',
Renewal, May 1995, p15].
[TB] has come at the same time as the explosion of the Alpha Courses. I
think the two go together.' [Nicky Gumbel, 'The Spirit and Evangelism',
Renewal, May 1995, p15].
So one of my concerns is whether the TB, which is being experienced atHTB, can
possibly be divorced from the Alpha Initiative. In view of the similaritiesof
emphasis and content between the two, I'm not sure that it can. Alpha also
promotes, as does the leadership of the TB, 'unity' between Protestantsand Roman
Catholics, with no consideration, or perhaps realisation, of the unreconcileable
doctrines of the two Churches, and so another concern is its trend towards
ecumenism.
possibly be divorced from the Alpha Initiative. In view of the similaritiesof
emphasis and content between the two, I'm not sure that it can. Alpha also
promotes, as does the leadership of the TB, 'unity' between Protestantsand Roman
Catholics, with no consideration, or perhaps realisation, of the unreconcileable
doctrines of the two Churches, and so another concern is its trend towards
ecumenism.
POWER EVANGELISM
Heavily influenced by the 'Signs and Wonders' ministry of John Wimber inthe
1980s, power evangelism has been one of the preparation grounds for theToronto
Experience. It focuses on a pragmatic/experiential rather than a
proclamatory/doctrinal approach to spreading the gospel. As such it tendsto shift
the focus away from the shed blood of Jesus on the cross and onto the supernatural
works of the Holy Spirit carried out by men. This is the method of evangelism
favoured by Alpha. [Telling Others pp21-24;29-31].
1980s, power evangelism has been one of the preparation grounds for theToronto
Experience. It focuses on a pragmatic/experiential rather than a
proclamatory/doctrinal approach to spreading the gospel. As such it tendsto shift
the focus away from the shed blood of Jesus on the cross and onto the supernatural
works of the Holy Spirit carried out by men. This is the method of evangelism
favoured by Alpha. [Telling Others pp21-24;29-31].
ALPHA AND THE NEW AGE
All of this heightened interest amongst Charismatic Christians in 'Signsand
Wonders' and the supernatural experiences of the Toronto Blessing is areflection
of spiritual and cultural changes going on outside Christianity, in whichNew Age
experiential mysticism predominates.
Wonders' and the supernatural experiences of the Toronto Blessing is areflection
of spiritual and cultural changes going on outside Christianity, in whichNew Age
experiential mysticism predominates.
Nicky Gumbel is aware of this paradigm shift from reason to experience:'In the
Enlightenment reason ruled supreme and explanation led to experience. Inthe
present transitional culture, with its 'pick-and-mix' worldview in whichthe New
Age movement is a potent strand, experiences lead to explanation'. [Nicky
Gumbel, Telling Others, p19].
Enlightenment reason ruled supreme and explanation led to experience. Inthe
present transitional culture, with its 'pick-and-mix' worldview in whichthe New
Age movement is a potent strand, experiences lead to explanation'. [Nicky
Gumbel, Telling Others, p19].
Post-Christian neo-mysticism is already so pervasive that virtually every
non-christian participant of Alpha - or any other evangelistic initiative- will reflect
to some degree New Age thinking. In New Age philosophy 'experiences leadto
explanation' yet, like the Toronto Experience, the thrust of Alpha is towardsthe
experiential, not the written Word. One pastor who has made use of theAlpha
course writes: 'One of the problems of proclaiming the gospel in a post-modern
world is that culture itself warms much more readily to lifestyle thanto doctrine. But
the Christian lifestyle is not Christian faith... .I am sure that manypeople are being
converted through the Alpha course, but I have a suspicion that some ofthose
people are being converted to a Christian lifestyle rather than to Christ.'.[Ian
Lewis, 'The Alpha Course', Evangelicals Now, Dec 1995].
non-christian participant of Alpha - or any other evangelistic initiative- will reflect
to some degree New Age thinking. In New Age philosophy 'experiences leadto
explanation' yet, like the Toronto Experience, the thrust of Alpha is towardsthe
experiential, not the written Word. One pastor who has made use of theAlpha
course writes: 'One of the problems of proclaiming the gospel in a post-modern
world is that culture itself warms much more readily to lifestyle thanto doctrine. But
the Christian lifestyle is not Christian faith... .I am sure that manypeople are being
converted through the Alpha course, but I have a suspicion that some ofthose
people are being converted to a Christian lifestyle rather than to Christ.'.[Ian
Lewis, 'The Alpha Course', Evangelicals Now, Dec 1995].
The two testimonies given by Alpha participants at the beginning of thefirst Alpha
video are prime examples of this. There are certain basic elements onewould
expect to hear in a classic conversion testimony: the conviction of sinleading to
repentance and subsequent assurance of God's forgiveness and salvationthrough
the death on the cross of Jesus Christ. But these are not there in anyform in these
two testimonies.
video are prime examples of this. There are certain basic elements onewould
expect to hear in a classic conversion testimony: the conviction of sinleading to
repentance and subsequent assurance of God's forgiveness and salvationthrough
the death on the cross of Jesus Christ. But these are not there in anyform in these
two testimonies.
A relationship with God is referred to, as is the experience of the baptismin the
Holy Spirit, prayer, an interest in Bible reading, church-going, Christianityand what
Alpha has done for them. But Jesus and what He has done for them and a
relationship with Him is not mentioned at all. Yet the Lord Jesus is thegospel, He is
salvation, He is their new life so how can He possibly be so completelyoverlooked
in a basic conversion testimony?
Holy Spirit, prayer, an interest in Bible reading, church-going, Christianityand what
Alpha has done for them. But Jesus and what He has done for them and a
relationship with Him is not mentioned at all. Yet the Lord Jesus is thegospel, He is
salvation, He is their new life so how can He possibly be so completelyoverlooked
in a basic conversion testimony?
Adherents of false religions claim a relationship with God, and a prayerlife, but
they are not saved. Many church goers read their Bibles and have an interestin
church and in Christianity, but they are not saved.
they are not saved. Many church goers read their Bibles and have an interestin
church and in Christianity, but they are not saved.
Likewise, more compassion/understanding at work, more patience, tolerance,
confidence and deep feelings of contentment can equally well be producedby a
sense of psychological well-being. Without the cross they do not constitute
salvation. The attempt by Nicky Gumbel to bring Jesus into the testimoniesby
asking exactly what had made these differences, was met with a blank lookand the
response: 'Just the relationship that I've developed with God. Simple asthat.'
confidence and deep feelings of contentment can equally well be producedby a
sense of psychological well-being. Without the cross they do not constitute
salvation. The attempt by Nicky Gumbel to bring Jesus into the testimoniesby
asking exactly what had made these differences, was met with a blank lookand the
response: 'Just the relationship that I've developed with God. Simple asthat.'
These testimonies seemed to me to be, as Ian Lewis suggests, only evidenceof
conversion to a Christian lifestyle, not to Christ. And when the 'Christianlifestyle' is
an endless round of blessings', supernatural 'experiences', spiritual 'parties'[see
video talk 14] and 'play'-times (iv), then the transition from the counterfeit
spirituality of the New Age to Christianity is really only one of degree,not kind. In
which case I would echo the question of one evangelical minister who asked:
'What is it they are converted to?'
conversion to a Christian lifestyle, not to Christ. And when the 'Christianlifestyle' is
an endless round of blessings', supernatural 'experiences', spiritual 'parties'[see
video talk 14] and 'play'-times (iv), then the transition from the counterfeit
spirituality of the New Age to Christianity is really only one of degree,not kind. In
which case I would echo the question of one evangelical minister who asked:
'What is it they are converted to?'
EVANGELISM OR CHRISTIAN LIVING?
'Scripture tells us that salvation comes through hearing the gospel, andI would
expect any course aimed at non-christians to concentrate primarily on thefacts of
the gospel. The Alpha course deals with the basics of the gospel in twosessions...
While these are unequivocal gospel presentations, the remainder of thecourse
deals essentially with what may be described as Christian living... Whenwe used an
adapted version of the course in our church, non-christians were left behindby
about the sixth week. They still had very fundamental questions about what
Christians believe, which were not answered by talking about how Christianslive
and for this reason the course seemed more suited to people who have already
made a commitment to Christ.' [Ian Lewis, Evangelicals Now, Dec 1995].
expect any course aimed at non-christians to concentrate primarily on thefacts of
the gospel. The Alpha course deals with the basics of the gospel in twosessions...
While these are unequivocal gospel presentations, the remainder of thecourse
deals essentially with what may be described as Christian living... Whenwe used an
adapted version of the course in our church, non-christians were left behindby
about the sixth week. They still had very fundamental questions about what
Christians believe, which were not answered by talking about how Christianslive
and for this reason the course seemed more suited to people who have already
made a commitment to Christ.' [Ian Lewis, Evangelicals Now, Dec 1995].
THE HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND
White Alpha training manual pp26-36/Video III talks 7-9 'We live in theage
of the Spirit.' [p29].
of the Spirit.' [p29].
Christians have always referred to the period of time between the firstand second
advents as the age of Grace, or the Church age. That has not changed. Why
encourage now, in such a precarious spiritual climate, the New Age conceptof the
Age of Aquarius (the spirit)?
advents as the age of Grace, or the Church age. That has not changed. Why
encourage now, in such a precarious spiritual climate, the New Age conceptof the
Age of Aquarius (the spirit)?
Continuing his observations on the New Age Nicky Gumbel writes: 'I havefound
on Alpha that those from an essentially enlightened background feel athome with
the parts of the course which appeal to the mind, but often have difficultyin
experiencing the Holy Spirit. Others coming from the New Age movement findthat
rational and historical explanations leave them cold, but at the weekendaway they
are on more familiar territory in experiencing the Holy Spirit.' [TellingOthers, p19].
on Alpha that those from an essentially enlightened background feel athome with
the parts of the course which appeal to the mind, but often have difficultyin
experiencing the Holy Spirit. Others coming from the New Age movement findthat
rational and historical explanations leave them cold, but at the weekendaway they
are on more familiar territory in experiencing the Holy Spirit.' [TellingOthers, p19].
But it is the 'rational and historical explanations' of sessions l and2 which are the
essence of the gospel (Acts 2:22-41; 6:9-7:60; 8:26-38; 17:16-33) and whichthe
unbeliever must grasp and accept with his mind, under the convicting and
illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, if he is to repent and experiencesalvation in
his heart (Romans 10:13,14). Nevertheless: 'At the end of the course Isend out
questionnaires... if there is a change I ask when that change occurred.For many the
decisive moment is the Saturday evening of the weekend.' [Telling Others,p120].
This is the time when Nicky Gumbel invites the Holy Spirit to come and
participants are filled with the Spirit. [Telling Others, pp117,120,123;Blue Alpha
training manual p18]
essence of the gospel (Acts 2:22-41; 6:9-7:60; 8:26-38; 17:16-33) and whichthe
unbeliever must grasp and accept with his mind, under the convicting and
illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, if he is to repent and experiencesalvation in
his heart (Romans 10:13,14). Nevertheless: 'At the end of the course Isend out
questionnaires... if there is a change I ask when that change occurred.For many the
decisive moment is the Saturday evening of the weekend.' [Telling Others,p120].
This is the time when Nicky Gumbel invites the Holy Spirit to come and
participants are filled with the Spirit. [Telling Others, pp117,120,123;Blue Alpha
training manual p18]
I find this extremely worrying. The 'decisive moment' should surely bethe point at
which a person steps over from eternal death to eternal life through theconversion
experience (John 3:16; 5:24; Romans 10:9,10,13 and other refs). But mostof the
testimonies in 'Telling Others' seem to confuse the experience of conversionwith
the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
which a person steps over from eternal death to eternal life through theconversion
experience (John 3:16; 5:24; Romans 10:9,10,13 and other refs). But mostof the
testimonies in 'Telling Others' seem to confuse the experience of conversionwith
the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
But is this surprising when Nicky Gumbel himself seems to treat conversionas a
preliminary to the main event? The breath of new life into a repentantsinner is
taught in talk 7, but Nicky Gumbel does not make it clear that this happensat
conversion (2 Cor 5:17). Rather, he suggests this is due to a second experience:
the baptism in the Spirit.
preliminary to the main event? The breath of new life into a repentantsinner is
taught in talk 7, but Nicky Gumbel does not make it clear that this happensat
conversion (2 Cor 5:17). Rather, he suggests this is due to a second experience:
the baptism in the Spirit.
The following testimony is an alarming example of the confusion between
conversion and baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it is by no means the onlyone:
conversion and baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it is by no means the onlyone:
'....my wife encouraged me to read an article in a magazine about the Alpha
course at HTB. What had stuck in my mind was how the work of the Holy
Spirit was described as of paramount importance. I knew in my heart I had
to have his power in my life at any cost. So I... enrolled on the courseand
focused on the weekend where the work of the Holy Spirit is discussed...
.Never mind the weeks of pre-med, I just had to get into the operating
theatre... .I looked at the order of play, saw that the third session on'How
can I be filled with the Spirit (which I identified as the main one) wasat
4:30pm and simply hung on like a marathon runner weaving his way up the
finishing straight with nothing but the finishing tape as the focus ofhis
attention... .the prize was so near but we were getting there so slowly.I
literally wanted to scream out 'Do it now! Do it now! I can't hold outany
longer' I'm not exaggerating when I say I was in agony Then Nicky Gumbel
invited the Spirit to come and oh, the relief.' [Interview in Renewal,Oct
1995, p16; Telling Others pp36-37].
course at HTB. What had stuck in my mind was how the work of the Holy
Spirit was described as of paramount importance. I knew in my heart I had
to have his power in my life at any cost. So I... enrolled on the courseand
focused on the weekend where the work of the Holy Spirit is discussed...
.Never mind the weeks of pre-med, I just had to get into the operating
theatre... .I looked at the order of play, saw that the third session on'How
can I be filled with the Spirit (which I identified as the main one) wasat
4:30pm and simply hung on like a marathon runner weaving his way up the
finishing straight with nothing but the finishing tape as the focus ofhis
attention... .the prize was so near but we were getting there so slowly.I
literally wanted to scream out 'Do it now! Do it now! I can't hold outany
longer' I'm not exaggerating when I say I was in agony Then Nicky Gumbel
invited the Spirit to come and oh, the relief.' [Interview in Renewal,Oct
1995, p16; Telling Others pp36-37].
Though the prayer at the end of these talks includes repentance, the gospeltalks
are not at this point uppermost in participants minds, and the corporaterequest
'inviting the Holy Spirit to come and fill us' is then made by all in theroom.
are not at this point uppermost in participants minds, and the corporaterequest
'inviting the Holy Spirit to come and fill us' is then made by all in theroom.
HOW CAN I RESIST EVIL?
Session 9 White Alpha training manual pp39-45/Video IV Talk 10.
In section II of this session Satan's tactics are listed: destroys; blindseyes; causes
doubt; tempts; accuses. All of these Gumbel applies to the area of Christian
behaviour. Deception, the tactic focusing on belief, is omitted. This oversightcan be
deadly. Deception concerning doctrine is Satan's most powerful weapon against
the Church and new Christians need to be made aware just how practisedSatan is
at deceiving Christians through false doctrines and false spiritual experiences.(v)
doubt; tempts; accuses. All of these Gumbel applies to the area of Christian
behaviour. Deception, the tactic focusing on belief, is omitted. This oversightcan be
deadly. Deception concerning doctrine is Satan's most powerful weapon against
the Church and new Christians need to be made aware just how practisedSatan is
at deceiving Christians through false doctrines and false spiritual experiences.(v)
Gumbel points out in this talk that occult activity 'always comes underthe guise of
something good'. The Toronto Blessing is seen as 'something good'. Howstrange
then that neither he nor anyone else at HTB thought to test the Torontospirit before
accepting it and then passing it on to everyone else. (vi)
something good'. The Toronto Blessing is seen as 'something good'. Howstrange
then that neither he nor anyone else at HTB thought to test the Torontospirit before
accepting it and then passing it on to everyone else. (vi)
HOW DOES GOD GUIDE US?
Session 10 White Alpha training manual pp46-51/Video IV Talk 11
The 'Guiding Spirit' and 'more unusual ways' of guidance referred to inthis talk,
especially guidance by angels, need thorough testing against Scripturein today's
religious climate in which false prophets and occult 'spirit guides' masqueradingas
angels of light abound.
especially guidance by angels, need thorough testing against Scripturein today's
religious climate in which false prophets and occult 'spirit guides' masqueradingas
angels of light abound.
A testimony in HTB in FOCUS: ALPHA NEWS, Aug 1995, in which Jesus is
referred to as 'a guiding light' (p14), is just an inkling of what maybe to come.
referred to as 'a guiding light' (p14), is just an inkling of what maybe to come.
DOES GOD HEAL TODAY?
Session 12 White Alpha training manual ppS8-62/Video V Talk 13
During this talk Nicky Gumbel tells Alpha participants of the visit byJohn Wimber
to HTB in 1982 to demonstrate God's power to heal. He says: 'John Wimberthen
said 'We've had words of knowledge' these are supernatural revelations,things that
they couldn't have known otherwise about the conditions of people in theroom...
specific details were given, accurately describing the conditions... .asthe list was
responded to, the level of faith in the room was rising.'
to HTB in 1982 to demonstrate God's power to heal. He says: 'John Wimberthen
said 'We've had words of knowledge' these are supernatural revelations,things that
they couldn't have known otherwise about the conditions of people in theroom...
specific details were given, accurately describing the conditions... .asthe list was
responded to, the level of faith in the room was rising.'
Gumbel says that he still felt 'cynical and hostile' until the followingevening when he
was prayed for: 'So they prayed for the Spirit to come....I felt somethinglike
10,000 volts going through my body....The American had a fairly limitedprayer.
He just said 'more power'....it was the only thing he ever prayed. I can'tremember
him ever praying anything else... Now we've seen many kinds of these
manifestations of the Spirit on the weekends... these manifestations...and the
physical healings themselves are not the important thing... .the fruitof the Spirit...
these are the things that matter, the fruit that comes from these experiences.So we
began to realise that God heals miraculously....'
was prayed for: 'So they prayed for the Spirit to come....I felt somethinglike
10,000 volts going through my body....The American had a fairly limitedprayer.
He just said 'more power'....it was the only thing he ever prayed. I can'tremember
him ever praying anything else... Now we've seen many kinds of these
manifestations of the Spirit on the weekends... these manifestations...and the
physical healings themselves are not the important thing... .the fruitof the Spirit...
these are the things that matter, the fruit that comes from these experiences.So we
began to realise that God heals miraculously....'
Nicky Gumbel gives no indication here that he or anyone else attendingthat
meeting tested the spirits to ensure that everything came from the HolySpirit.
meeting tested the spirits to ensure that everything came from the HolySpirit.
And, of course, the fruit of the Holy Spirit does not come from 'theseexperiences'
but from the daily sanctification by the Holy Spirit through obedienceto the Word
(John 14:15;21;23-26;15:l-7;10;14-15).
but from the daily sanctification by the Holy Spirit through obedienceto the Word
(John 14:15;21;23-26;15:l-7;10;14-15).
Once again Alpha participants are not being warned of the very seriousdangers of
accepting anything and everything from anyone and everyone. So they willwalk out
of the cocoon of Alpha and straight into the path of the 'enemy the devil[who]
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour'. (1 Peter5:8).
accepting anything and everything from anyone and everyone. So they willwalk out
of the cocoon of Alpha and straight into the path of the 'enemy the devil[who]
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour'. (1 Peter5:8).
WHAT ABOUT THE CHURCH?
Session 13 White Alpha training manual pp63-68/Video V Talk 14
(1) ROMANISM
'The Alpha course is... adaptable across tradition and denominations....I
know of its uses in Catholic... churches.' [Martin Cavender in Telling
Others].
know of its uses in Catholic... churches.' [Martin Cavender in Telling
Others].
Adaptable in what sense exactly? Alpha's publications manager advises that,while
presentation of the material can be adapted to suit, the content shouldbe followed
exactly. (He makes particular reference to the weekend dealing with theHoly Spirit
in this respect) [Christian Herald, 9:12:1995].
presentation of the material can be adapted to suit, the content shouldbe followed
exactly. (He makes particular reference to the weekend dealing with theHoly Spirit
in this respect) [Christian Herald, 9:12:1995].
If the content of the course teaches the fundamental historical and theologicalfacts
and doctrines of the Christian faith as recorded in Scripture, then, havingtested and
proved that to be so, any Protestant church using Alpha could follow thecourse
exactly. But could a Catholic church do that?
and doctrines of the Christian faith as recorded in Scripture, then, havingtested and
proved that to be so, any Protestant church using Alpha could follow thecourse
exactly. But could a Catholic church do that?
In talk 8 and in section II of this talk Gumbel teaches Alpha participantsthat the
differences between Protestants and Catholics are 'totally insignificantcompared to
the things that unite us... we need to unite around the death of Jesus,the
resurrection of Jesus; the absolute essential things at the core of theChristian faith
on which we are all agreed. We need to give people liberty to disagreeon the
things which are secondary.'
differences between Protestants and Catholics are 'totally insignificantcompared to
the things that unite us... we need to unite around the death of Jesus,the
resurrection of Jesus; the absolute essential things at the core of theChristian faith
on which we are all agreed. We need to give people liberty to disagreeon the
things which are secondary.'
I agree wholeheartedly with the last sentence but that is not the issuehere. It is on
the essentials that Protestants and Catholics do not have unity. That wasthe whole
point of the Protestant Reformation. Discussing the price of unity in theChurch,
Bishop Ryle wrote: 'Our noble Reformers bought the truth at the price oftheir own
blood, and handed it down to us. Let us take heed that we do not baselysell it for
a mess of pottage, under the specious names of unity and peace.' [Warningsto the
Churches, 1877, p128].
the essentials that Protestants and Catholics do not have unity. That wasthe whole
point of the Protestant Reformation. Discussing the price of unity in theChurch,
Bishop Ryle wrote: 'Our noble Reformers bought the truth at the price oftheir own
blood, and handed it down to us. Let us take heed that we do not baselysell it for
a mess of pottage, under the specious names of unity and peace.' [Warningsto the
Churches, 1877, p128].
StillGumbel says: 'We need to unite... there has been some comment which isnot
helpful to unity. Let us drop that and get on. It is wonderful that themovement of
the Spirit will always bring churches together. He is doing that rightacross the
denominations and within the traditions... we are seeing Roman Catholicscoming
now... Nobody is suspicious of anybody else... People are no longer 'labelling'
themselves or others. I long for the day when we drop all these labelsand just
regard ourselves as Christians with a commission from Jesus Christ.' [Renewal,
May 1995,p16]
helpful to unity. Let us drop that and get on. It is wonderful that themovement of
the Spirit will always bring churches together. He is doing that rightacross the
denominations and within the traditions... we are seeing Roman Catholicscoming
now... Nobody is suspicious of anybody else... People are no longer 'labelling'
themselves or others. I long for the day when we drop all these labelsand just
regard ourselves as Christians with a commission from Jesus Christ.' [Renewal,
May 1995,p16]
'Adaptability' of the Alpha course to include Catholics, not necessarilyto convert
them, is referred to in Alpha as 'unity' and I am concerned that Alphais contributing
- albeit unintentionally - to the undoing of the Protestant Reformationthrough the
promulgation of ecumenism disguised as Christian Unity.
them, is referred to in Alpha as 'unity' and I am concerned that Alphais contributing
- albeit unintentionally - to the undoing of the Protestant Reformationthrough the
promulgation of ecumenism disguised as Christian Unity.
(2) UNITY AND FALSE DOCTRINE/TEACHERS
'A disunited church, squabbling and criticising makes it very hard forthe
world to believe'. [Gumbel, Renewal, May 1995, p16]. Consequently 'we
make it a rule on Alpha never to criticise another denomination, another
Christian church or a Christian leader.' [Telling Others, p114; and thistalk,
section II].
world to believe'. [Gumbel, Renewal, May 1995, p16]. Consequently 'we
make it a rule on Alpha never to criticise another denomination, another
Christian church or a Christian leader.' [Telling Others, p114; and thistalk,
section II].
Yet there are times when failure to 'criticise' - or rather to rebuke andcorrect (2
Tim 3:16; 4:2-5) - is actually to be disobedient to the Word of God. Althoughin
talk five Gumbel only applied the rebuking and correcting to Christianbehaviour, it
also applies to false teaching. We must certainly not judge one another'ssins or
their hearts (e.g. Matt 7:1-5), or their personalities, but we are to testall teachings
prophesies and practices against Scripture and judge whether they are trueor false
(1 Cor 2:15;16; 1 John 4:1).
Tim 3:16; 4:2-5) - is actually to be disobedient to the Word of God. Althoughin
talk five Gumbel only applied the rebuking and correcting to Christianbehaviour, it
also applies to false teaching. We must certainly not judge one another'ssins or
their hearts (e.g. Matt 7:1-5), or their personalities, but we are to testall teachings
prophesies and practices against Scripture and judge whether they are trueor false
(1 Cor 2:15;16; 1 John 4:1).
According to Ephesians 4:3-6 Christian unity comes through our being baptised
through one Spirit into 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God andFather of
all'.
through one Spirit into 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God andFather of
all'.
Unity is also essential to Latter-Rain doctrine, to enable the incarnationof Christ
into His physical body (the Church), because He cannot incarnate a dividedbody.
But Latter-Rain is a 'different gospel' (Gal 1:6-7) with a faulty eschatologywhich is
insinuating itself into Charismatic fellowships these days; one of itsmost successful
routes being the Toronto Blessing (vii).
into His physical body (the Church), because He cannot incarnate a dividedbody.
But Latter-Rain is a 'different gospel' (Gal 1:6-7) with a faulty eschatologywhich is
insinuating itself into Charismatic fellowships these days; one of itsmost successful
routes being the Toronto Blessing (vii).
It is vital that we 'earnestly contend for the faith that was once forall entrusted to
the saints' (Jude 3). If not, we may find ourselves, and those new believerswe
have nurtured, part of the Apostate church.
the saints' (Jude 3). If not, we may find ourselves, and those new believerswe
have nurtured, part of the Apostate church.
(3) THE PARABLE OF THE PARTY
In section IV, Gumbel says the Church, though God's Holy Temple, so oftenloses
'the sense of the presence of God in its midst'. He is making referencehere to the
Sunday meetings of believers rather than to the Church as the body of Christand
uses the parable of the Prodigal Son to explain that Sunday services shouldbe like
a 'party'. 'Jesus was saying that....the Church is like....a feast anda celebration, and
at a party everyone has a good time. There's fun, there's laughter... .Whyshouldn't
there be laughter at the biggest party of all? and that's what we're seeingtoday,
laughter and fun, and people getting drunk - not with wine, Paul says 'don'tget
drunk with wine - be filled with the Spirit, Come to a party where youcan get
drunk on God... .I was at a party like that last night. It was a wholeload of church
leaders, and we invited the Spirit to come... It was a party thrown bythe Holy
Spirit. It was a fun place to be. The Church is meant to be a party...'
'the sense of the presence of God in its midst'. He is making referencehere to the
Sunday meetings of believers rather than to the Church as the body of Christand
uses the parable of the Prodigal Son to explain that Sunday services shouldbe like
a 'party'. 'Jesus was saying that....the Church is like....a feast anda celebration, and
at a party everyone has a good time. There's fun, there's laughter... .Whyshouldn't
there be laughter at the biggest party of all? and that's what we're seeingtoday,
laughter and fun, and people getting drunk - not with wine, Paul says 'don'tget
drunk with wine - be filled with the Spirit, Come to a party where youcan get
drunk on God... .I was at a party like that last night. It was a wholeload of church
leaders, and we invited the Spirit to come... It was a party thrown bythe Holy
Spirit. It was a fun place to be. The Church is meant to be a party...'
The Church will celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb when the LordJesus
returns, but I find no references to 'fun' or 'parties' anywhere in Scripture,except
in denunciation. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 for example. Until Jesus returnsand we
attend the marriage feast of the Lamb, there is no place for 'parties'or 'festivals';
not even 'to the Lord'.
returns, but I find no references to 'fun' or 'parties' anywhere in Scripture,except
in denunciation. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 for example. Until Jesus returnsand we
attend the marriage feast of the Lamb, there is no place for 'parties'or 'festivals';
not even 'to the Lord'.
CONCLUSION
It may only be part of Alpha's teaching which does not accord with Scripture,but I
would say with Paul: 'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'(Gal
5:9).
would say with Paul: 'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'(Gal
5:9).
Every Christian and every fellowship is able to witness to the gospel.Many
fellowships create their own evangelistic courses under the guidance ofthe Holy
Spirit. It should not be necessary to rely on the methods and techniquesof another
fellowship when we have all the instruction and teaching material we needin
Scripture, all the experience we need in each of our relationships withthe Lord
Jesus and are each empowered by the Holy Spirit to go and do it. But ifleaders do
decide to use the Alpha course they should at least consider the followingpoints in
light of the concerns above:
fellowships create their own evangelistic courses under the guidance ofthe Holy
Spirit. It should not be necessary to rely on the methods and techniquesof another
fellowship when we have all the instruction and teaching material we needin
Scripture, all the experience we need in each of our relationships withthe Lord
Jesus and are each empowered by the Holy Spirit to go and do it. But ifleaders do
decide to use the Alpha course they should at least consider the followingpoints in
light of the concerns above:
That they ensure non-believing participants have fully understood the meaningof
the cross and are saved (sessions I and 2) before propelling them intoa course on
Christian Living. (sessions 3-14).
the cross and are saved (sessions I and 2) before propelling them intoa course on
Christian Living. (sessions 3-14).
That they ensure converts are fully aware of their conversion experienceand are
becoming stable in their daily relationship with the Lord Jesus beforethrusting them
into the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for which they are not yet ready andwhich
could allow into their lives the influence of an alien spirit through groundgiven,
albeit unintentionally.
becoming stable in their daily relationship with the Lord Jesus beforethrusting them
into the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for which they are not yet ready andwhich
could allow into their lives the influence of an alien spirit through groundgiven,
albeit unintentionally.
That they ensure participants understand the different nature of the workof each
person in the Trinity.
person in the Trinity.
That they ensure the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and his convicting and sanctifying
work in a believer's life is not submerged beneath the gifts and the powerof the
Holy Spirit.
work in a believer's life is not submerged beneath the gifts and the powerof the
Holy Spirit.
That they ensure participants are taught to proceed from the Word to experience,
not from experience to the Word.
not from experience to the Word.
Following from this, that they ensure participants understand that deception
regarding doctrine and supernatural phenomena has always been Satan's main
weapon against the Church and that knowing and standing fast in the Wordis our
weapon of defence, as it was for Jesus (Matt 4:1-11).
regarding doctrine and supernatural phenomena has always been Satan's main
weapon against the Church and that knowing and standing fast in the Wordis our
weapon of defence, as it was for Jesus (Matt 4:1-11).
That they ensure participants are taught to become Bereans (Acts 17:11)able to
test everything against Scripture for themselves, not relying on leaders,who are not
infallible (e.g. Gal 2:11-14), to do their thinking and living for them.
test everything against Scripture for themselves, not relying on leaders,who are not
infallible (e.g. Gal 2:11-14), to do their thinking and living for them.
That they revise the booklist on pp72-75 of the white Alpha training manualas it
tends to display a bias towards writers sympathetic to the Vineyard/Toronto
Experience/Restorationist persuasion, while omitting other sound and moreobvious
choices in several of the sessions.
tends to display a bias towards writers sympathetic to the Vineyard/Toronto
Experience/Restorationist persuasion, while omitting other sound and moreobvious
choices in several of the sessions.
In 1877 Bishop Ryle wrote: 'The Lord Jesus Christ declares, 'I will buildMy
Church'....Ministers may preach, and writers may write, but the Lord JesusChrist
alone can build. And except He builds, the work stands still....Sometimesthe work
goes on fast, and sometimes it goes on slowly. Man is frequently impatient,and
thinks that nothing is doing. But man's time is not God's time. A thousandyears in
His sight are but as a single day. The great builder makes no mistakes.He knows
what He is doing. He sees the end from the beginning. He works by a perfect,
unalterable and certain plan.' [J.C. Ryle 'The True Church' in Warningsto the
Churches, 1877, pp13-14].
Church'....Ministers may preach, and writers may write, but the Lord JesusChrist
alone can build. And except He builds, the work stands still....Sometimesthe work
goes on fast, and sometimes it goes on slowly. Man is frequently impatient,and
thinks that nothing is doing. But man's time is not God's time. A thousandyears in
His sight are but as a single day. The great builder makes no mistakes.He knows
what He is doing. He sees the end from the beginning. He works by a perfect,
unalterable and certain plan.' [J.C. Ryle 'The True Church' in Warningsto the
Churches, 1877, pp13-14].
[Note: Nicky Gumbel dates his call to evangelism (Tape Five of the videoset) to
the 1982 incident in which he received prayer from John Wimber. On that
occasion, he experienced such supernatural power that he had to call outfor it to
stop. Wimber gave a 'word' that Gumbel had been given 'a gift of tellingpeople
about Jesus'.]
the 1982 incident in which he received prayer from John Wimber. On that
occasion, he experienced such supernatural power that he had to call outfor it to
stop. Wimber gave a 'word' that Gumbel had been given 'a gift of tellingpeople
about Jesus'.]
A much expanded version of this paper is presently available from Jo Gardner,
price £1.25 incl. postage. Write to: Adullam Register/Alpha, 86 ManorWay,
Croxley Green, Herts WD3 3LY. This paper and other material will also shortlybe
produced in the form of a booklet. Enquiries to Jo Gardner, not Banner!
price £1.25 incl. postage. Write to: Adullam Register/Alpha, 86 ManorWay,
Croxley Green, Herts WD3 3LY. This paper and other material will also shortlybe
produced in the form of a booklet. Enquiries to Jo Gardner, not Banner!
FOOTNOTES
(i) Letters to the author should be directed to Banner Ministries.
(ii) HTB in Focus: Alpha News, Aug 1995 p9. See also Wallace Boulton, ed.,The
Impact Of Toronto, 1995 pp2O-24.
Impact Of Toronto, 1995 pp2O-24.
(iii) See Richard Smith, 'Spiritual Drunkenness', Sept 1994.
(iv) See Wallace Boulton, ed., The Impact Of Toronto, 1995, p19.
Also David Noakes, Dealing With Poison In The Pot, audio tape, CFCM 95/04,
side 1.
side 1.
And Johannes Facius, 'Laugh? I Nearly Cried' in Prophecy Today, May/June
1995, p25.
1995, p25.
(v) See for example, Robert M. Bowman, Orthodoxy And Heresy: A Biblical
Guide To Doctrinal Discernment, 1993. And J.C. Ryle, Warnings To The
Churches, 1877.
Guide To Doctrinal Discernment, 1993. And J.C. Ryle, Warnings To The
Churches, 1877.
(vi) During the Leadership Consultation held in January and March 1995,by the
Centre for Contemporary Ministry, it was noted that Wm Branham also practised
impartation of the Spirit, which others could then pass on. Arnott haslikened the
Toronto Blessing to a virus. (See Haggai 2:10-14).
Centre for Contemporary Ministry, it was noted that Wm Branham also practised
impartation of the Spirit, which others could then pass on. Arnott haslikened the
Toronto Blessing to a virus. (See Haggai 2:10-14).
(vii) See 'Birth of the Manchild' in Mainstream, Spring 1995, ppi-5 forthe
eschatology being taught at some Vineyard churches.
eschatology being taught at some Vineyard churches.
Alpha logo
Alpha course sign displayed at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Dover, Ohio
The Alpha course is an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions. It is described by its organisers as 'an opportunity to explore the meaning of life'.[1] Alpha courses are being run in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and a wide variety of other locations. The course began in Britain and is being run around the world by various Christian denominations.[2][3]
- 2Structure
History[edit]
Alpha was started in 1977 by Charles Marnham, a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton, a parish of the Church of England in London.[4] It started as a course for church members regarding the basics of beliefs commonly held by many believers in Christ but then began to be used as an introduction for those interested in the faith. John Irvine, at that time a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton, took over the running of the course in 1981 and developed the 10-week format which continues to this day. In 1985 Nicky Lee took the course on and in 1990 Nicky Gumbel, also then curate at Holy Trinity, took over the running of the course[5] at the invitation of Sandy Millar (vicar at that time) and oversaw its revision and expansion.
Alpha grew rapidly in Britain in the 1990s, from just four courses in 1991 to 2,500 in 1995. A peak was reached in 1998, when 10,500 courses were run. By 2001 this had fallen to 7,300.[6] In 2018, the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries and over 100 languages, with over 24 million people having taken the course.[7] Courses have been run by Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Eastern Orthodox[5] and Roman Catholic churches,[8] with some variations in course material.
Structure[edit]
Alpha is organised as a series of sessions over 10 weeks, including a day or weekend away. Each session starts with a meal, followed by a talk and then discussion in small groups. The talks aim to cover the basic beliefs of the Christian faith.
In April 2016, Alpha introduced the Alpha Film Series, where traditional Alpha content is shown in a series of films, featuring stories and interviews. This series is mainly presented by Nicky Gumbel, Toby Flint (a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton) and Gemma Hunt. Interviewees include Bear Grylls, Jackie Pullinger, and Friar Raniero Cantalamessa.[citation needed]
Religious education for schools[edit]
In conjunction with Youth for Christ, Alpha International produces two study programmes designed for children aged 11–14, exploRE: The Christian Faith a 12-week programme on the Christian faith, and exploRE: The Life of Jesus, a 14-lesson study of Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection. The capitalised RE is a reference to religious education, part of the British curriculum. The materials are aimed at religious education teachers.
Relationship programmes[edit]
Several relationship-oriented programmes have emerged alongside Alpha which are now separately run by a sister organisation called Relationship Central. The Marriage Course is a seven-session course for married couples, consisting of a 'candlelit meal and/or coffee, tea and dessert at a romantic table for two while listening to practical talks that are informative and fun, either given live or played on DVD', while the Marriage Preparation Course follows a similar format over five sessions in preparation for married life.[9] Unlike Alpha, there are no group sessions - the couple are to spend the time together, and relationship details are not shared with a counsellor or other participants.[9] The Marriage Course was adopted by the British Army and an additional session on enforced separation (e.g. as a result of operational deployment) was added by a military couple working in co-operation with Relationship Central. In 2012, DVD versions of the Parenting Children Course (for parents or caregivers of children aged 0–10) and the Parenting Teenagers Course (11-18) were released. Unlike the Marriage Course, the parenting courses use a similar format to Alpha: a meal followed by a talk and group discussions.
The website says about these courses that while they are 'based on Christian principles', they are 'designed for all couples with or without a church background'.[10] The courses are authored by Nicky Lee and Sila Lee, staff at Holy Trinity Brompton and authors of The Marriage Book and The Parenting Book.[11]
Caring for ex-offenders[edit]
Caring for ex-offenders is a follow-up to the Alpha for Prisons course, supporting released prisoners by providing them with material assistance including accommodation, work, food, and pastoral support through church life.[12] It operates in Britain, Canada, South Africa and the United States.[13]
St Paul's Theological Centre[edit]
St Paul's Theological Centre is Alpha/Holy Trinity Brompton's theological institution, with aims to provide lay and clerical training in theology and resources for theological training in churches across the world, as well as theological guidance for Alpha.[14]
Doctrine[edit]
Alpha's teachings are intended to centre upon aspects of Christian faith on which all denominations are in general agreement. Nicky Gumbel says (quoting the current Apostolic PreacherRaniero Cantalamessa),[15] 'What unites us is infinitely greater than what divides us.'
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox distinctives, such as those concerning the Virgin Mary and certain sacramental teachings are absent, as are Baptist teachings on baptism. Instead, individual churches are encouraged to provide follow-up courses of their own.
The New International Version of the Bible is quoted in the course materials. St Paul's reference to scripture being 'God breathed' (2 Timothy 3:16) is referred to, although whether this view of scripture implies strict inerrancy is not made clear.
Within evangelical Protestantism the most controversial element of Alpha is what is considered to be its charismatic slant.[according to whom?] Three of the fifteen sessions are given to the person and work of the Holy Spirit and cover the infilling of the Spirit; speaking in tongues and healing via prayer. Conversion stories in the book of Acts (see 2:1ff, 9:17-19, 10:44-46, 19:1-6) are seen as normative.
Influences[edit]
Possibly Alpha's greatest influence has been on the ministry of John Wimber, who visited Holy Trinity Brompton a number of times during the 1980s and 1990s. Nicky Gumbel's approach can also be linked to the ministry of E. J. H. Nash,[16] an influential Anglican cleric who set out to evangelise 'top boys at top schools'[17] and who organised summer camps at Iwerne Minster in Dorset.[18] David Fletcher, who took responsibility for the camps after Nash, described Alpha as: 'basically the Iwerne camp talk scheme with charismatic stuff added on.'[19] Rob Warner addresses both, when he says: 'Alpha can ... be summed up as [Nash] camp rationalistic conservatism combined with Wimberist charismatic expressivism ... this is a highly unusual, even paradoxical hybrid.'[20]
Usage[edit]
The Alpha course being advertised at a church in South Queensferry, Edinburgh
Although originating from the evangelical Anglican tradition, Alpha is now used In various denominations around the world.[21][22] Its supporters include many Catholic cardinals, Anglican archbishops and bishops,[23] and leading figures of all denominations. Rowan Williams was an enthusiastic supporter when he was Bishop of Monmouth and Archbishop of Wales and continued his support as Archbishop of Canterbury,[24] opening an Alpha conference and accepting an invitation to speak at an Alpha supper in London in 2004. He describes it as 'a very special tool' and 'a unique mixture of Christian content and Christian style'.[23] His predecessor George Carey described the courses as 'superb.'[24] Father Raniero Cantalamessa, a monk of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and Preacher to the Papal Household for Pope Benedict XVI wrote a document praising Alpha in June 2005.[25]
Critics[edit]
Alpha has been criticised for a charismatic emphasis. A particular problem for non-charismatic evangelicals is what is seen as Nicky Gumbel's emphasis upon the person and work of the Holy Spirit.[citation needed] As a result, some churches have chosen to teach a different view of the Holy Spirit, although this is discouraged in Gumbel's book How to Run the Alpha Course.
More conservative critics (especially from a Reformed and evangelical perspective) have complained that the course does not adequately define sin and therefore does not properly explain the reason for Jesus's death and resurrection.[citation needed] The alternative Christianity Explored course is an attempt to go beyond what Alpha teaches on sin.
John Vincent of the Urban Theology Unit in Sheffield has suggested that Alpha presents too narrow a version of Christianity and one too centred on what theologians have said about Jesus rather than allowing students the freedom to draw their own inspiration from studying Jesus' life and teaching. 'The Alpha course, because of its didactic style, its narrow-mindedness and its closed nature, doesn't facilitate alternative views', he says. 'I happen to believe it therefore leads people into a self-centred religion which is not the same as the genuine Christian discipleship.'[26]
Some Catholics have criticised the fifteen-session Alpha in a Catholic Context version of the course for being unbalanced without sufficiently presenting some Roman Catholic doctrines, which instead need to be added afterwards in additional sessions.[27]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^From the official website of Alpha http://alpha.org
- ^The Alpha Big-GiveArchived 21 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine at secure.thebiggive.org.uk. Accessed on 17 February 2013.
- ^Alpha at ResurrectionArchived 20 January 2013 at the Wayback Machine at www.cor.org. Accessed on 17 February 2013.
- ^Hocken, P. D. (2002). 'Alpha Course'. In Stanley M. Burgess (ed.). The new international dictionary of Pentecostal and charismatic movements (rev. and expanded ed.). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House. p. 312. ISBN0310224810.
- ^ ab'How Alpha Began | Alpha UK'. Uk.alpha.org. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
- ^Stephen Hunt, The Alpha Experience: Evangelism in a Post-Christian Era (Ashgate Publishing, 2004) page 13
- ^'Alpha is running all around the globe...' Alpha.org. Archived from the original on 22 March 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
- ^'Alpha in a Catholic Context'. catholics.alpha.org. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ^ ab'The Marriage Courses'. The Marriage Courses.
- ^'What is The Marriage Preparation Course?'. TheMarriageCourses.org. Alpha International. n.d. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
- ^'Parenting Course'. HTB.com. n.d. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
- ^'About us'. CaringForExOffenders.org. Archived from the original on 20 May 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
- ^'CFEO Network'. CaringForExOffenders.org. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
- ^'About SPTC'. SPTC.HTB.org. SPTC. n.d. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
- ^From a paper[permanent dead link] Cantalamessa presented at an ecumenical conference in Brighton in July 1991
- ^Gumbel, Nicky. 'Authority'. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
- ^Alister McGrath Evangelicalism and the Future of Christianity (Leicester: IVP, 1005) 45
- ^John Eddison (ed) A Study in Spiritual Power; An Appreciation of E J H Nash (Bash) (Highland; Crowborough, 1992)
- ^Baker, David. 'Doing the impossible'. Evangelicals Now. Retrieved 23 July 2011.
- ^Rob Warner Reinventing English Evangelicalism 1966-2001 (Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2007) 122
- ^Rutherford, Adam (28 August 2009). 'Nicky Gumbel interview transcript - Adam Rutherford'. Retrieved 17 June 2019 – via www.theguardian.com.
all the major denominations around the world
- ^Barker, John. 'Alpha program for prospective Christians looks to plant roots in Thompson'. Thompson Citizen. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
There are over 7,000 courses running in the United Kingdom and over 44,000 worldwide in various denominations.
- ^ ab'Got Questions - Try Alpha'. Got Questions - Try Alpha. Archived from the original on 25 July 2008.
- ^ ab'Archbishop launches Alpha course'. BBC.co.uk. 30 September 2004.
- ^Cantalamessa, Raniero (27 June 2005). 'Faith Which Overcomes The World'(PDF). ChristLife.org. Archived from the original(PDF) on 19 August 2014.
- ^Pigott, Robert (27 July 2001). 'Church leaders launch controversial courses'. BBC.com. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- ^Cork, William (2007). 'The Alpha Course—an Evaluation'. CatholicCulture.org. Trinity Communications. Retrieved 28 October 2010.
Further reading[edit]
- Books for use with the course
- Nicky Gumbel, Questions of Life (Kingsway Publications 2003). ISBN1-84291-164-3
- Nicky Gumbel, Searching Issues (Kingsway Publications 2001). ISBN0-85476-739-8
- The Alpha Manual (Alpha International Publications 2005). ISBN1-904074-23-5
- Books about the course
- Andrew Brookes (Editor), The Alpha Phenomenon (Churches Together in Britain and Ireland,[1] 2007). ISBN978-0-85169-331-6
- Stephen J. Hunt, The Alpha Enterprise: Evangelism in a Post-Christian Era (Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2004) ISBN978-0-7546-5036-2
External links[edit]
![Curriculum Curriculum](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125734469/288210685.jpg)
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