Inside Alpha

the long version

"UK church attendance is haemorrhaging and one course is hailed as the most effective tool for 'turning back the tide.' From small beginnings in the early 1970s, Alpha has grown to become a global success. Churches across the denominational spectrum have enthusiastically seized upon the course, seeing it as the remedy for declining church attendance. Inside Alpha explores such claims through richly grounded qualitative research on six Alpha courses. It assesses Alpha's primary aim of converting non-churchgoers and its longer-term goal of spiritual maturity (Colosians 1.28-29). It questions whether the Alpha programme is as successful as it claims at uniting evangelism and discipleship, mission and spiritual formation."--Back cover.