Alpha Starts Tomorrow!

     The first official Alpha class begins tomorrow at Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen.  This is a very exciting time and there is still a chance to be a part of it.  You can be a part of this in at least one of two ways: (1) you can be a class participant (click here to register); and/or (2) you can pray for the class.  (I'll comment on these two ways to get involved below).

     This class is designed to explore Christianity in a dialogue format where it is safe to ask questions and express opinions without being embarrassed, put on the spot or judged.  Our desire is that by the end of the class, individuals will have a personal relationship with Christ and friends that will encourage them to grow in that relationship.  You can see a description, schedule and syllabus for the class at the bottom of this post or you can download a PDF version of the flyer here.

     1.  Why should you participate in this class?  If you are already a believer this class will offer you the opportunity to bring a guest who may not be a believer or who is not plugged into a church.  You can be the instrument God uses to bring them into a personal relationship with Christ.  (We value your trust and we commit to not embarrassing you or your guest!)  Another benefit of attending the class for believers will be learning a very relational and non-confrontational way of sharing the gospel that you can use later in your own home with your friends, family and/or neighbors.  This method can also be used by ABFs also.

     If you are new to Christianity or to the church, then this class is for you.  If you are not a believer and you have questions, then this class is for you.

     2.  How should you pray?  (a) Pray that those who need to encounter Christ would be invited to come.  (b) Pray for CBC folks to bring those who need to come.  (c) Pray that the Holy Spirit will convince guests of God's love and of their need to trust Jesus Christ.  (d) Pray that God uses this method to bring about a revival of evangelism and discipleship to CBC and beyond.

     3.  Why is Calvary investing so much in this class?  We are a church that desires to make disciples of all nations.  We currently do not have an official evangelism strategy.  So we are piloting Alpha as a possible strategy.  We realize three things about evangelism strategies: (a) We live in a postmodern world where people outside the church do not have a Christian or biblical context to understand the gospel in a 5 minute presentation.  Most folks outside of faith today require relational evangelism and a safe place to ask questions; (b) Many of those who are not Christians or are not in church have been hurt, offended or misunderstood by Christians or the church.  We need to build bridges of trust with them; (c) Many of the evangelism programs that worked in the 20th century are not conducive to discipleship today.  They get people saved but they do not have a natural process that moves them to discipleship.  We want to present the gospel in an environment where relationships are developed and discipleship becomes natural.

     Although we may continue to have an annual Alpha class in English in the fall, and perhaps an Alpha class in Spanish in the spring, what we really hope is that individuals and ABFs will be encouraged to have Alpha classes in their homes multiplying the opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus with neighbors, friends, family and co-workers.

Fall Kick-Off Sunday: August 23

     For most of us the summer comes to an end this week.  Next week many of our students and educators will be back in the classroom.  At CBC that means starting a new cycle of ministry and programs.  The summer has been an exciting time of huge events such as VBS, mission trips, youth and children camps and great times of fellowship and worship.  In their own way the summer, fall and spring have important rhythms for disciple-making.

     This Sunday, August 23 is our Church Kickoff Sunday.  What does that mean?  It means at least three things at CBC:

1.  Our children and students advance to the next grade level in their Bible Fellowships, Wednesday programs and general CBC ministry.  So if you are a parent of children or students, look out for a potential change in your child's class.  It also means that we will welcome first graders into our worship services!
2. Our children and student Bible Fellowship teachers officially begin their teaching term.  During the summer many of these teachers take a break while other volunteers and staff do a teaching rotation.  Some of our teachers choose to teach year-round.  All of them start the new term this Sunday.  We welcome and thank each of them for their investment in our children and youth.
3. Our Wednesday night programs begin this week.  These programs include: The Grove for preschool and children, Remedy for students 7th through 12th grade, EQUIP & WIT for English-language adults, ICC for Spanish-language adults, and Classic Service choir.  All of these meet 6:30 to 8:00 PM.  Church supper is served (for those who make a reservation) beginning at 5:30 PM.  WIT also offers classes on Wednesday morning.

      This fall the English-Language options for adults on Wednesday night include a WIT class called "Brokeness" led by Nancy Basaldua, a Men's Fraternity class led by Pastor Ed Gilpin, the Alpha course facilitated by Pastor Julio, and the Classic service choir led by Chuck Olson.  On Wednesday, August 26th at 6:30 PM there will be an orientation introducing each of these classes in the worship center, after which you can register for the class/group of your choice.  You may also register online.  (The Spanish-language orienation for ICC will take place simultaneously in the multi-purpose room).

    This is an exciting time of the year.  We encourage everyone to become involved in these opportunities to grow in discipleship and to make disciples.