This is a Alpha testimony by one of the members of the Student Church – Ben Scruton.
Like many who had recently embarked on a journey of faith, I was drawn to Alpha for the opportunity to explore, but mainly to question, to find different views, and maybe even answers. Having come to Christianity in early 2011, I had many such questions; can I believe the historical truth of the bible? What does Jesus’ death mean for Christians in a contemporary society? The list goes on. Continue reading
Last Monday witnessed the third session of Student Alpha. Over 100 students are engaging in this great course at two sites: St Thomas Crookes and at Costa Coffee in the city center. The evening is simple and is completed in 1hr 30min. Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts about life in small groups.
Alpha is a fantastic way of finding out who Jesus is and what church is all about. All students are welcome. It’s never too late to join the Alpha course. Please do come along next week…more info
I believe in Alpha, I did my very first Alpha a month after becoming a Christian in 2007. I felt that if I was going to give this Christianity thing a shot then I better learn what all these mad folk natter on about all the time. So me, my Mum and Nan would roll up on a Tuesday with our booklets week in and week out and I met some of the strangest people but I loved it! It was definitely the best start for the journey I was about to start in coming to University.
Then last year I was bricking it… I had just moved into a house with three boys I had lived with in first year and I learned so much more about them in those 5 months than I had ever done the previous year. But when it came to sharing who I was with them it became quite difficult. Fear of ‘scaring them away’ or convincing myself it ‘wasn’t the right time’ just took over. Sometimes feeling like talking about who I was would put the friendship at risk.
Well firstly, is it really at risk? I mean the worst they can say is no.
And secondly, sharing Christianity with your mates is to share a big part of who you are, in a way that is not intense or cheesy but relaxed and casual. If you are a Christian, take advantage of this opportunity to talk about who you are with your friends. Alpha is modelled in a way that guides us through what it is to be a Christian today, with plenty of time open for discussion. I am sure as they learn about this stuff you believe in, and you learn what they’re all about, your friendship will be better for it!
Thirdly and most importantly, they might meet Jesus!
After a beautifully pastoral word from our lovely Ben Doolan the night before Alpha Launch (he said: “get on with it”) I asked my house if they’d like to check it out on the premise it was the best coffee in Sheffield. It really is! 5 came, 2 stayed for the whole course and 1 became a Christian and is now involved in Clusters. This is just one of the many testimonies from Alpha. Please consider getting involved!
The challenge to each of us at St. Thomas Crookes this year is: Who are you going to invite? Who are you going to share yourself and Jesus with?
Two Alpha courses start on the 21st February! Please be praying for them!