GET READY for a very public display of Christian faith.

During August, metropolitan centres throughout the country will see numerous billboards, buses and transit shelters displaying colourful  ads.

Each ad features a question challenging people to consider their purpose in life, and inviting them to an Alpha Course.

In addition, cars will be flying small flags  – and Alpha is offering a trip to London to the winner of the ‘Car Flag Challenge.’ Northview Community Church in Abbotsford has already ordered a thousand flags.

That the 10-week Alpha course has been effective in evangelism, both in Canada and worldwide, is beyond question.

The figures are extraordinary.  According to Alpha Canada, which keeps careful records, more than a million Canadians have now taken the course since Alpha arrived in Canada 10 years ago.

Some 2,600 churches of all denominations have run courses in the country – with more than a third of them in B.C.

Such has been the success that Alpha Canada has run two previous national initiatives, in 2003 and 2004. This year, they embark on their largest campaign yet, with more than a million dollars worth of national signage – partly thanks to B.C. businessman Jimmy Pattison.

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“We are very grateful for the significant gift from the Pattison Foundation,” said Alpha Canada national director Sally Start. “It will enabled us to better support churches in their evangelism efforts.”

Every one of the churches which have run the Alpha Course have been sent a media package which offers a range of all-new promotional materials. They are designed to make it easier to invite friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to a course.

A recent survey of Alpha courses run in Canada has shown continuing encouragement for this unique ministry.

The average number of guests per church was 44 – up from 29 in 2004. The survey also indicated the average age of attendees is decreasing – with 75 percent of attendees in the 19 – 45 age range; a year earlier it was 63 percent.

Perhaps the most significant reality to emerge is the correlation between church growth and Alpha, with 87 percent of those which run the course reporting  they have grown as a result. Some churches, such as Broadway Church in Vancouver, report significant growth.

Senior pastor Norb Kohler comments:  “I would put [Alpha] at the top of all the opportunities the church has to effectively reach and engage the hearts and minds of people in our community. I believe that a church that is not currently involved in Alpha is missing a component that can bring great strength to the entire organization.”  – Peter Biggs

August 2007