“What happens when we create space and listen?”
If you look around on a Sunday, you might get the impression that the church is really good at two things: 1) taking up space and 2) making noise. We’ve got a big building with people and programming happening all over the place, plus we do a lot of singing, teaching, praying, and announcing. We take up space and we make noise on a regular basis—and I believe those are good things.
But what if we dared to do the exact opposite?
What if we made it point to create space instead of taking up space? And what if we made it a point to listen rather than make noise?
Creating space and listening—these are the fundamental postures of Alpha.
Alpha is for people who have questions about life, faith, and Jesus. Alpha is for people with doubts and reservations. Alpha is for people who are unsure, skeptical, or curious.
Alpha is an opportunity for us to create space in which people who don’t believe or don’t know what they believe can come as they are. Alpha is an opportunity for us to listen to their questions, perspectives, and stories as we explore faith and Jesus together. Alpha is an 11-week experience in which we will gather each week to eat a meal, watch a talk, and engage in a real conversation.
So, that’s Alpha. Now, what about you …
Is Alpha for you?
If you have questions about life, faith, and Jesus, we’d love to have you as a part of Alpha at IBC. We’re starting Wednesday, January 5, at 6:30pm. You can find all the info you need and reserve your seat here.
Who could you invite?
If you’re a follower of Jesus, Alpha is likely not for you. But I’m willing to bet you know someone for whom Alpha could be a transformational experience. With that in mind, who could you invite to Alpha? You probably know a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor who has questions such as “Who is Jesus?” or “Why should I read the Bible?” Would you be willing to invite them to try Alpha? A personal invitation is key.
In fact, the team that helps churches all over the world run Alpha has found that 86 percent of the people who attend Alpha do so because of a personal invitation. Yes, you read that right: 86 percent. That’s huge.
Who could you text this week about experiencing Alpha?
What part could you play?
Even if Alpha is not for you, you can still be a part of it in a few essential ways: 1) you could volunteer to facilitate the conversation at a table each week, 2) you could help make each week’s Alpha environment and meal as hospitable as possible, or 3) you could commit to praying each week for our Alpha participants.
What part could you play? I’d love to hear from you.
— Scott McClellan