The Alpha course has frequently been described as the most widely used Christian evangelising program of recent decades. This is not without good reason considering its application in thousands of churches worldwide. Alpha is noteworthy because the course exemplifies state-of-the art church growth philosophies and the way that it engages with contemporary culture—not least of all the application of business techniques in spreading the gospel message. It is also striking because of the elements of Pentecostal/Charismatic theology and praxis that is central to the program.

Alpha h…