Alpha in a Tavern?

After long consideration, we decided that we should run an Alpha course in Acton. We had our first organization meeting this evening and it went great! As we shared ideas about the town it became very clear that Acton is a town that could use the good news of the gospel. Don't get me wrong, there are many churches in town that are probably quite aware of this fact and probably doing their part. I'm told that the Alpha course has been running for some time now in some of the local churches. This is a good thing.

I know there are a great number of people who need the good news of Jesus Christ, yet would not go to a church or religious establishment to hear it. Again, dont get me wrong, Alpha belongs in a church. Alpha also belongs in our homes and in our communities. Now heres the kicker...Alpha belongs on the "streets". This is where life happens for so many people who need God.

So what do the "streets" look like? If you want to find the "street" in Acton that most exemplifies its identity it is Main Street. Same would hold true for many towns. Now if you are interested in taking something to the streets you need to go to where you perceive the need is the greatest. That for me would be the older part of town. If you were to take something to the "streets" you would want to be quite visible from the "streets" You would want to be a part of the "streets"

So we found the most awesome place to run our first Acton Alpha. Leathertown Tavern, right in the heart of old Acton. This resturant/tavern is right on the "street" It has nice picture window on the"street" . It has great exposure and clearly visible from the "street". Great parking. Awesome food. Somewhat of a captive audience as there are those who choose the tavern as a place they discuss their hardships and sorrows over beer.

We are pretty excited at the fact that they will have the opportunity to be exposed to the gospel in their own turf. We pray and beleive that once they have heard a bit of the gospel, they will begin to understand how and where to find relief from their pain. My belief is that Gods message of love is so great, that even a glimpse of it can have lasting effects on a person. These effects can be life changing.

The other benefactors of the Alpha course will be those who choose to go the full 12 weeks. This course is excellent and methodical in its approach. It is gentle yet convincing. It provides people with an opportunity to ask those questions about God. Many people are embarrased by their lack of understanding. Some come with great expectation while others come with no expectation. The cool thing is, that everybody gets to think it through.
I dont think people want to be told what to believe. People want to explore an issue methodically and arrive at a conclussion. More often then not, people are arriving at the cross with the same conclusions. This "God" and "Jesus" and "Holy Spirit" thing are the real deal. They begin to see and understand, many for the very first time, what it means to be loved by God and what it means to love God.

Meanwhile in the background, we have come to see that we need to just pray, have faith in God, and follow the Alpha plan. Its funny when we say things like..."it practically runs itself" But it is so true. You see the gospel and the word of God are very powerful things. Hospitality and fellowship are also very powerful things. We kind of act as hosts for this divine interaction. We organize the party as it were. We invite guests and we invite God. He sits at the head of the table and we sup together. People discuss their issues and questions, and He answers them,straight to their hearts.

So any way its now way too late and I have way too much to say. I need to go to bed.

Father thank you for your love, mercy and grace. Thank you for bringing people together to lead this course about You. Father we pray for your wisdom, strength and guidance. Father would You call some of Your children to partake in this course. Would You soften the hearts of each and evry person. Lord would you not only lead participants to this place, but would you also touch the hearts of people who frequent this tavern. Father we want to bless You and we want to be a blessing to You. Father would you protect us as we take your message to the streets. We give You all the praise, majesty and glory. In Jesus name I pray.
amen