Embrace the New Year Through Alpha

What if this New Year, instead of making resolutions you may or may not keep, you investigated something that might change your life or change the lives of others?

By Allison Loyd

With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas rapidly approaching, the New Year is just ahead. What if this New Year, instead of making resolutions you may or may not keep, you investigated something that might change your life or change the lives of others?

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a different way. Alpha doesn’t follow a teaching model with an instructor and students. Instead, Alpha uses a model that features hosts and guests; a group of equals gathering together to discuss Christianity. Alpha is an informal, friendly and non-threatening look at the basics of Christianity.

Alpha began 30 years ago in a church in England. Its approach to speaking to people about Jesus has caused a global explosion. Today Alpha has reached more than 29 million people in more than 100 languages in 169 countries.

For 11 weeks guests gather around a meal, a brief video exploring the Christian faith, and then discussion—lots of it. During this time respect is observed, but no question is off-limits, too simple or too hostile. There are no wrong answers at Alpha. You will not be told what to think. Alpha provides a space where the video sharing of experiences and opinions leads to greater individual understandings.

First United Methodist Church of Tulsa is embracing the New Year and Alpha in several exciting ways. First, we are looking for people who are already fairly certain about their faith who have a heart for reaching out to those seeking Jesus. This group will go through the Alpha experience together with the goal of becoming Alpha hosts and helpers.

At the same time, there will be several Alpha home and campus groups in the Tulsa area meeting needs of those who are currently seeking more information and discussion to explore their faith. These small groups will also go through the 11-week Alpha together.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about hosting and helping with Alphas, or whether you’re seeking answers surrounding Christianity, please check out the FUMC Tulsa website to learn more about Alpha and to sign up.  We will all start the journey together at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the Culture Lab (1001 S. Main St., Tulsa) with a big Alpha New Year’s celebration! Everyone is welcome!

Allison Loyd’s professional background is in public relations and marketing, but she currently treasures every minute of being a mom to her and her husband, Matt’s, 14-year-old daughter, Madeline. When not taxiing or doing laundry, Alli is beginning to love yoga, enjoys volunteering at her church, spending time with friends, and participating in a book discussion group. She has a passion for sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.