The Bridge Church
For a long time, I viewed the world through a lens tinted with negativity, convinced it was a place filled with darkness. My childhood was marked by the constant turmoil of my parents’ relationship. It was amidst this landscape of grief and disillusionment that I encountered Alpha, introduced by a friend. Initially, I approached Christianity with a blend of curiosity and scepticism, perceiving it as another philosophical system for navigating life’s challenges. However, Alpha unveiled a new dimension of Christianity to me – one that was deeply personal and rooted in evidence, inviting me into a relationship with Jesus.
This journey with Alpha was transformative. It provided a space for deep, meaningful connections, contrasting starkly with my previous superficial relationships. The program’s discussions about life, love, and forgiveness opened my eyes to conversations of a depth I had never experienced. The personal growth I encountered at Alpha was profound, facilitated by the genuine care of the leaders and the welcoming community that felt like a family of once-strangers.
A pivotal moment in my Alpha journey was when I encountered C.S. Lewis’ compelling quote about Jesus, which challenged my previous perceptions and led me to recognise Him as the Son of God, not merely a historical figure. This quote resonated deeply, aligning with my growing understanding and acceptance of faith.
A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.
Alpha became a sanctuary where I could explore doubts and questions about Christianity in a judgment-free environment.
In this nurturing environment, I found the comfort and safety to open up about the traumas of my childhood. It encouraged me to seek wisdom, ask challenging questions about faith, and continuously refine my beliefs. This experience didn’t just change my beliefs; it transformed my entire life’s trajectory.
Alpha was instrumental in my healing process, aiding me in understanding the complexities of a fractured world and guiding me towards embracing a relationship with Jesus.
*Name changed for privacy.
