Westwind Church in Waukee recently wrapped up their first semester of Alpha Course, an outreach and evangelism class.
The 11-session course was spearheaded by Westwind Lead Pastor Keith Missel. In reporting on the event’s success, Pastor Missel says, “This is the first intentional outreach we’ve done at Westwind in a few years. We averaged 60 adults in our groups, which includes an average of 8 guests per session. We had about 35 children and 10 workers that participated in the children’s activities. Our office complex was packed.”
The primary goal of the Alpha Course is outreach: communicating the gospel in a clear manner and inviting participants to personally respond to the gospel message. Each session started with the hospitality of a free meal and was followed by gospel teaching and group discussion. Pastor Missel is very familiar with the Alpha Course, having led over 25 courses at three churches. “I have continually seen God’s Kingdom come through salvations, baptisms, and integrating participants into our local church.”
Outreach is the primary and ultimate goal of Alpha and was a great success in this regard. “The Alpha Course resulted in seeds of the gospel being planted and watered. Many significant relationships were built. Four of the Alpha Course participants were baptized on Easter and numerous others continue attending Westwind regularly. In addition, at least one person professed faith in Christ during the course.”
Due to the success of this first class, Westwind is hosting a Youth Alpha this summer and plan to host an all-church Alpha Course in the fall.
BCI partnered with Westwind Church through a financial grant from the Outreach Event & Evangelism Project Fund. This find is designed to promote and support evangelism in Iowa through BCI-affiliated churches. Does your church have an evangelism or outreach project coming up? Check the application to see if your event will qualify for Outreach Event & Evangelism Project Funds.
