Alpha with Nicky Gumbel Host/Helper Guide
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The Christian Church Munity of Christians, Whereas Church Refers to Buildings Where Christians Worship Together
The Dormston School Knowledge Organiser Religious Studies (Year 7) Key Concepts: Church is the worldwide com- The Christian Church munity of Christians, whereas church refers to buildings where Christians worship together. Christian Denominations Denominations are different Churches within Christianity. The Great Schism of 1046 16th Century Reformation The Church Today They share lots of similarities (e.g. the authority of the Bible, Emperor Diocletian divided the Ro- During the European Renaissance, The Christian Church today is the the belief in the Trinity etc…) but man empire into two parts in 285CE: people began to access new ideas and largest religion on planet earth,, also have some differences. the Eastern and Western parts. recall old ideas from the classical era having over 2billion adherents. There Symbols have always been used These developed into two separate before Christianity. Since then, are hundreds of Christian denomina- in Christianity. The cross is the and distinct cultures, but still Chris- Christians in Europe were living in tions, and Christianity is a very di- most common symbol. They represent Christian beliefs (e.g. tian. The Eastern Church disagreed the Dark Ages. Martin Luther, a verse religion. Some Christians are the lamb represents Jesus was with the Papal authority (where the German monk, was one of these very traditional, others are very the sacrifice). Pope had complete authority from reformers who criticised the Catholic modern. These differences are found God). They also disagreed with using Church. He wrote the 95 theses’, a both within and between denomina- Transubstantiation is the Roman Catholic belief that the Latin in services, preferring their own list of things he questioned about the tions. -
Frequently Asked Questions About the Catholicity of Alpha
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CATHOLICITY OF ALPHA The following article addresses frequently asked questions about the Catholicity of the Alpha course. Among these, some have asked, “Why is the Diocese of Green Bay using the Alpha course when Alpha did not originate in the Catholic Church?” In this document are four questions and answers to be aware of on how the Alpha course can support our discipleship efforts in the Catholic Church. Recall that the four step discipleship process in the Diocese of Green Bay is as follows: 1. Discover Jesus. 2 Follow Jesus. 3. Worship Jesus. Share Jesus. These questions are detailed below. Page 1: Did Alpha originate in the Catholic Church? Page 2: If the Catholic Church teaches that the Church of Christ exists fully only in the Catholic Church (Dominus Iesus, no. 14), then why is the Diocese of Green Bay using a non-Catholic resource? Page 3: Why is there an “Alpha in a Catholic Context”? What gaps does the “Catholic context” part of Alpha address? Page 4: Are members of the Catholic hierarchy and other key Catholic leaders endorsing Alpha? 1. Did Alpha originate in the Catholic Church? Alpha was founded in 1977 by Reverend Charles Marnham at Holy Trinity Brompton, an Anglican parish in London. However, Nicky Gumbel, an Anglican priest, oversaw the development and expansion of the Alpha course starting from the 1980’s to the present day. However, it sometimes takes an “outsider” to show us “insiders” how wise the Catholic Church is in her teachings. Incidentally, what Nicky Gumbel effectively integrated into the Alpha course are several discipleship principles and practices as taught by the Catholic Church. -
Alpha: Another Road to Rome?
Alpha: Another Road To Rome? Commentary by Roger Oakland www.understandthetimes.org The Alpha program, founded by Nicky Gumbel, a former Oxford educated barrister-turned-Anglican priest has become very popular in North America. A brochure published for the Alpha Texas Conference in Austin, Texas, scheduled for January 8th and 9th, 1998 detailed the goals and objectives of the course. It stated: The Alpha Course is a ten-week practical introduction to the Christian faith. It is designed primarily for non-church goers and those who have recently become Christians. Alpha is a flexible and practical model that can work for a group of any size. Churches and Christian organizations of every background and denomination are discovering it to be a simple and effective way of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ in a non- threatening manner for people of all walks of life.[1] Charisma, December 1999, also contained an article that provided additional information about the Alpha program and how it is being promoted and marketed. The article, written by journalist Clive Price titled “Alpha Course Supporters Urge British To Party With God On New Year’s Eve” was introduced the following way: Lying on a bed of nails? That does not sound like the most orthodox way of spearheading a $1.6 million evangelistic media campaign for the closing days of the twentieth century. But as British pastor Sandy Miller puts it, the aim of the Alpha Project’s millennium initiative is to help people “get the point” of the year 2000.[2] Although Nicky Gumbel’s Alpha course was founded at Holy Trinity Brompton in 1991, the effectiveness of the course was not realized until a few years later after the “Toronto Blessing” was transported to England from Canada in May of 1994. -
Generous Orthodoxy - Doing Theology in the Spirit
Generous Orthodoxy - Doing Theology in the Spirit When St Mellitus began back in 2007, a Memorandum of Intent was drawn up outlining the agreement for the new College. It included the following paragraph: “The Bishops and Dean of St Mellitus will ensure that the College provides training that represents a generous Christian orthodoxy and that trains ordinands in such a way that all mainstream traditions of the Church have proper recognition and provision within the training.” That statement reflected a series of conversations that happened at the early stages of the project, and the desire from everyone involved that this new college would try in some measure to break the mould of past theological training. Most of us who had trained at residential colleges in the past had trained in party colleges which did have the benefit of strengthening the identity of the different rich traditions of the church in England but also the disadvantage of often reinforcing unhelpful stereotypes and suspicion of other groups and traditions within the church. I remember discussing how we would describe this new form of association. It was Simon Downham, the vicar of St Paul’s Hammersmith who came up with the idea of calling it a “Generous Orthodoxy”, and so the term was introduced that has become so pivotal to the identity of the College ever since. Of course, Simon was not the first to use the phrase. It was perhaps best known as the title of a book published in 2004 by Brian McLaren, a book which was fairly controversial at the time. -
Colin Mercer
Colin Mercer The Alpha Course Examined The Alpha Course Weighed in The Balances of Holy Scripture Colin Mercer Contents Preface 1 Foreword 1 Introduction 5 Objection No. 1. Alpha Presents Unbiblical Theology 6 Objection No. 2. Alpha Practises an Unscriptural Ministry 12 Objection No. 3. Alpha Produces False Security 17 Objection No. 4. Alpha Promotes Ecumenical Activity 23 Preface A desire to earnestly contend for the faith has prompted the publication of this booklet. The danger that Alpha presents to the eternal well-being of men and women cannot go unchallenged. Where there is spiritual danger there must be a sure and faithful warning. After preaching four separate messages on the subject of the Alpha course, I was encouraged by fellow Christians to make the material available to a wider audience. This booklet is an attempt to do that. I trust that it will be as a short, sharp blast of the gospel trumpet. May the unsuspecting be delivered from another one of Satan’s deceptions. Foreword The Bible has warned us that in these last days there shall be a heaping to the men of the world, teachers having itching ears, “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” 2 Timothy 4:4. The Alpha Course is a course sponsored by Rome and the ecumenical Protestant churches, purporting to present the true gospel of Christ in a simple way to enquirers. Dr. John Dunlop, a former president of the Irish Presbyterian General Assembly, a well -known pro-Romanist and ecumenist, defines it thus: “The Alpha Course aims to strip away all the baggage of church and religion and get back to asking the basic questions of life. -
The Alpha Course Satan's Latest Device To
The Burning Bush—Online article archive The Alpha Course: Satan's latest device to deceive believers, Part 2. Continuing on from last month's issue, we wish to set before our readers some evidence of the falseness of the religion pro- moted by the Alpha Course, by showing you some of the testi- monies set forth as evidence of conversions under this deceit- ful course of instruction. Before we come to that, I wish to re- produce some comments by Rev. Paul Fitton of Dungannon Free Presbyterian Church, in an sermon entitled: "False Fire." 'A faulty message will invariably lead to a false profession. Notice that those referred to in Matthew 7 had the right expressions, (verse 22) "Lord, Lord." They were earnest for they said, "Lord, Lord." They endeavoured to serve the Lord (verse 22) "... Have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" Yet they were not known of Christ for He says to them (verse 23) "I never knew thee." Why did Christ not know them? Why when they appeared to say the right things and do the right things did He say to them, "I never knew thee?" He didn't know them because they didn't come His way. They heard a message that was faulty and entered Another gate and walked an Alternative road which was more Appealing to them than the gate and road that Christ proclaimed. Consequently they had a false profession. They sincerely believed that they knew the Lord but they were wrong. -
Alpha Team Guide Is Recommended for Alpha Small Group Hosts and Helpers
Team Guide Team Alpha How do I get people talking? What sessions are we on? What do you think? This Alpha Team Guide is recommended for Alpha small group hosts and helpers. It includes notes for the two required team training GuideAlpha Team sessions on how to lead an Alpha small group and how to lead prayer ministry, which can be found on either the Alpha Film Series or Alpha with Nicky Gumbel. It also provides weekly key concept summary and suggested questions to help guide the discussion time for each session of Alpha. Alpha helps you create an environment where you can bring your friends, family, and work colleagues to explore the Christian faith, ask questions, and share points of view. Alpha’s approach—stressing hospitality, faith, and discussion—is designed to make it easy for you to welcome everyone, including those who might not describe themselves as Christians or churchgoers. Each session includes time for a large group meal, short teaching, and small group discussion to help you have spiritual conversations with others that explore life’s biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. Designed for use with the Alpha Film Series (9781938328831) or Alpha with Nicky Gumbel (9781938328718) DVDs, sold separately. A lpha NICKY GUMBEL is the pioneer of Alpha. He studied law © Alpha International 2016 at Cambridge and theology at Oxford, practiced as a alphausa.org lawyer, and is now the senior pastor of HTB in London, @alphausa one of England’s most vibrant churches. alphacanada.org @alphacanada RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Evangelism USD $8.99 / CAD $10.99 ISBN 978-1-938-32888-6 9781938328886-Alpha Team Guide C.indd 1 11/20/17 1:51 PM Published in North America by Alpha North America, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540 © 2016 Alpha International, Holy Trinity Brompton, Brompton Road, London SW7 1JA, UK Alpha Team Guide All rights reserved. -
New Wineskins, Old Wine: Alpha As the Future of Wesleyan Theology
NEW OLD WINE: AS FUTURE OF WESLEYAN THEOLOGy1 ROB "lntelligent, biblically based ... for the mind, there is nothing better around than the Alpha course, ' states evangelist ony Campolo. "lf you've ever wondered 'why jesus?' hardly a better answer than this," according to evangelist Luis Palau. "Alpha is a powerful tool for reaching the lost for and helping them mature their faith,' states founder of Campus Crusade for Across denominations and para-church groups, from England to South to South Korea, the Alpha "short course" has ten years swept the globe. Beginning 992 with only courses offered through Brompton Anglican Church London, the Alpha course has grown to over twenty million participants wor1dwide, and still growing.3 Through a unique combi- of worship, prayer ministry, video and small group discussions, thousands have been drawn into a persona1 relationship with jesus as Savior and Lord, while a1so producing renewed vigor and enthusi- asm among formerly mainline Protestant denominations. Although utilized across the Body of from Catholicism and Anglicanism to Pentecostalism and non-denominationa1 settings, and containing numerous matic/ Pentecostal (j.e. the extraordinary such as healing, speak- ing tongues, words), many ways Alpha presents a vision of faith and that is distinctly Wes1eyan form and content (e.g. worship and evangelism as core practices of the especiaIIy as nurtured smaII groups grounded prayer and Scripture study). Moreover, through upholding a Bib1ical vision rooted the actual physical death and of jesus as key to salvation, through a grounding intercessory prayer, meal- and the agency of the Holy aII phases of Alpha, many theo- logica1 distinctives that were once considered constitutive of early and Rev. -
Messy Church As a Fresh Expression of Church ...26
Unless you become like a child: Psychological type and Christian becoming at Messy Church Amanda Dawn Aspland Doctor of Philosophy The University of Leeds York St John University Faculty of Education and Theology April 2016 ii The candidate confirms that the work submitted is his/her own and that appropriate credit has been given where reference has been made to the work of others. This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. The right of Amanda Dawn Aspland to be identified as Author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. © 2016 The University of Leeds and Amanda Dawn Aspland iii Acknowledgements I am incalculably indebted to my supervisors Revd Professor Andrew Village and Dr Ann Christie for their enduring help, direction and support over this course of study. They say that every quest is embarked upon by a hero and her trusted companions. Though I am reluctant to recognise myself as hero in the quest to complete this thesis, I am only too happy to recognise Andy and Ann as the trusted companions in the journey across the intellectual terrain. York St John University and the St Christopher’s Trust provided me with a generous bursary which enabled me to undertake this project as a full-time student. I am very much aware of the rarity of such funding in the world of practical theology and I am sincerely grateful to have been a recipient. -
What Is Alpha?
Christ Lutheran Church 8011 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814-2476 Email: [email protected] 301-652-5160 Fax - 301-652-2301 Website: http://www.heartmindsoul.com Volume 67, Reach Up - Reach Out & Grow NOVEMBER 2001 Issue 11 With a new design www.heartmindsoul.com What is alpha? !!!ATTENTION!!! All over the world, the Christian church is experiencing new shoots of life springing up giving fresh dynamism, hope and vision. THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT Alpha is one of these shoots. Thousands of Alpha courses are now running in many countries. Hundreds more register each month as church leaders CHRONICLE from all denominations report the astonishing impact the course has on non-churchgoers and existing Christians in their areas. And it's spreading fast to many secular locations - prisons, businesses and schools. IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH! CHURCH STAFF Rev. Marvin Tollefson Developed at Holy Trinity Brompton over the last twenty years, Alpha is a 15-session practical introduction to the Chris- Pastor tian faith. It's aimed especially at people who don't go to church. At Holy Trinity, Alpha courses are held throughout the Graceful Growing Together year and have hundreds of people attending each week. Krista Vingelis Stewardship We will be offering one course on Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, December 2 at 10:15 am. An evening Minister of Family & Community Care course is also being offered. The evening course will be offered on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm beginning No- Initiative envelopes are now Jin Sun Cho vember29. At the evening event there is a light meal followed by a talk on a subject central to the Christian faith. -
Committee to Study Third Wave Pentecostalism – Majority Report
Committee to Study Third Wave Pentecostalism – Majority Report Outline of the report I. Introduction II. Continuity with 1973 report on neo-Pentecostalism (Report 34) III. Overview of the third wave movement A. Pentecostal, charismatic, and third wave Excursus: Biblical interpretation in the third wave Excursus: Baptism/filling with the Holy Spirit B. Key representatives of third wave Excursus: Key representatives C. Beyond the third wave: New apostolic reformation D. Distinctive facets of the third wave movement 1. Prophecy and hearing the voice of God 2. Powerful prayer 3. Healing ministries 4. Spiritual warfare and deliverance ministries E. Conclusion to the overview IV. Why third wave has widespread appeal A. Theological compatibility B. Ongoing renewal within the church C. Cultural context V. Evaluating the third wave A. Reformed worldview framework B. Evaluation VI. Recommendations Appendices Appendix A: Bibliography Appendix B: Executive Summary of the Survey I. Introduction In response to an overture from the council of Plymouth Heights CRC and a strong appeal from the floor of synod, Synod 2004 appointed a study committee To examine the biblical teaching, Reformed confessions, theological implications, and pastoral dimensions related to “third wave” Pentecostalism (spiritual warfare, deliverance ministries, and so forth), with a view to providing advice to the churches. (Acts of Synod 2004, pp. 608-9) 1 Committee to Study Third Wave Pentecostalism – Majority Report The grounds for the request indicate that while the 1973 report on neo- Pentecostalism still has much useful and applicable advice for our churches, the unique emphases of the third wave movement and its growing influence on various ministries within the CRC warrant further reflection. -
Alpha Course” – Is It of God?
EVALUATING THE “ALPHA COURSE” – IS IT OF GOD? INTRODUCTION – It is said that the founder of the Alpha Course is Nick Gumbel. His full name is Nicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel. His father was a German Jewish lawyer from Suttgart during the early days of Nazi Germany. The family migrated to Britain and Nick’s father became a successful barrister in their new homeland. Nick’s mother, Murial, was quite successful in her own right. She served on the Greater London Council for many years between 1967 and 1986 and was Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Nick Gumbel was an avowed atheist until his conversion while studying at Trinity College in Cambridge. He read through the New Testament and said that he had found what he had been looking for all his life. After graduating in law in 1976 (born in 1955) he followed in his father’s career and practiced law. Meanwhile he became a regular worshipper at Holy Trinity Brompton Church at Knightsbridge. In 1982 he announced his decision to leave the bar to train for ordination in the Church of England. In 1983 he began his theological studies at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford. After some difficulty in finding a curacy, Nick joined the staff of his ‘home’ church of Holy Trinity Brompton in London as a curate in 1986. He was ordained priest in 1987. He was officially installed as vicar of the church in 2005. He was awarded an honourary doctorate by the University of Gloucestershire as recognition of his contribution to the wider church via the Alpha Course.