While there is much good teaching in the Alpha Course, this extreme background sometimes finds its way into the teachings of the course. This Anglican church in London was the center of the holy laughter movement in England and Europe, and has been known for services that include being “ slain in the Spirit” and behaviors such as uncontrollable laughter, spasms, loud animal-like noises and physical manifestations during emotionally driven services. The Alpha Course was started in the United Kingdom, at Holy Trinity Brompton Church, by Nicky Gumbel and Sandy Millar in 1977. We must be discerning in evaluating the qualifications of the person or people teaching the course. We must diligently study God’s Word on our own and reject anything that contradicts the Bible. As with any course or teaching, we must be diligent and discerning. In the hands of someone trying to push beliefs and practices that are biblically questionable, the Alpha Course can be used to indoctrinate and mislead.

In the hands of a solidly evangelical teacher, the Alpha Course can be excellent. So, why do we give a warning about the Alpha Course? The problem is that the Alpha Course can be very different depending on the church/organization that is using it.

Many more have been strengthened in their faith and knowledge of God’s Word because of the Alpha Course. Many people have come to faith in Jesus Christ through the Alpha Course. We do recognize, however, that the Alpha Course has been a tremendous help to many Christians. This article takes a very cautious view of the Alpha Course.

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