ALPHA PROGRAM TO ANSWER ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS OF LIFE

Cathy Tenkhoff admits that it took her some time to get past the terminology and into the soul and spirit of the Christian life. But Tenkhoff hopes to help introduce basic Christian concepts -- those elements of faith and religion that confound anyone who doesn't speak in those terms -- to anyone curious enough to ask.

That's what Alpha is all about: answering the essential questions of life.

Alpha is being offered by Centenary United Methodist Church. The 12-week course will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 with a meal and introduction. The course is free, but registration is necessary. Those interested can call the church at 334-2869 for an information packet and registration forms. Child care will be offered during each session.

"You don't have to be living a Christian lifestyle to come," said the Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith, pastor of Centenary Church. Sometimes that can be a hindrance for people who think they have to clean up their life before they can ever attend church.

The program is designed for people who are interested in learning more about Christianity, who haven't been regular church attenders or who have questions about their faith.

"It's OK that they have some ideas about church," said the Rev. Jack Ketcher. "The idea is to help them see who Jesus is through Scripture and prayer and by teaching."

Not in a church setting

But the premise isn't to begin with the hardcore topics. The first session talks about the meaning of life and each session progresses to a new topic, like who is Jesus, why did he die and how to resist evil.

Whatever is important to the people participating in the group will be what's addressed, Ketcher said. But it won't be in a church setting, amid pews where a pastor stands at the pulpit.

The program is arranged in small groups and the discussions usually take place around a dinner table or after a meal. The Alpha group organized by Centenary will meet in the home of Centenary members Dick and Kim Swartz each week.

The sessions feature some video clips and are entertaining and humorous. Some of the sessions begin with more universal topics and then get more significant through the remainder of the course. Smith advises anyone interested in the program to attend all the sessions to help answer all their questions.

"Any question is fair," Ketcher said. But participants should know that the leaders "don't have all the answers" about faith and the Christian life, he added.

Alpha originated in England, where it has been a successful program that led 1 million people to Christianity. The programs goal isn't to create new church members but to help people find a relationship with Jesus, Smith said.

"It's important for us as Christians to get the information to those people seeking to know," Ketcher said.

Want to go?

What: An informational dinner about the Alpha program for people curious about Christianity.

When: 6 p.m. Aug. 30

Cost: Free but reservations are necessary and can be made by calling Centenary United Methodist Church at 334-2869.