How does a person go from watching a video to getting baptized? Great question!
If you're looking for a resource to engage with seekers and new believers, I'd recommend Campus Alpha Course. Filmed in London, this 8 -week video course helps students explore Christianity in a relaxed setting. Topics include Who is Jesus? Why and How Can Study the Bible? What about the Church? and more. Then students discuss the topic of the week in a small group where no question or opinion is “off limits.” The Alpha course always includes a “Holy Spirit” weekend retreat, as well. The Alpha course has been running in over 169 countries as a way to help seekers to find Christ.
Written by Karen Keyser
In Chi Alpha, we have been running a Campus Alpha course at both Georgetown University and Nova Community College each Spring semester for the past several years. We start with snacks and chatting, then watch the 30 minute video segment, and then divide into 2-4 student-led small groups to discuss the videos. Many of the students are international students who have never understood Christianity before.
Helen has an Ethiopian background, but has grown up in the United States. She has been involved in alcohol and drugs since she was a teenager. At age 24, her world crumbled, and she found herself in a drug detox center. Upon leaving the center, Helen realized that she needed to get her life straightened out. She wanted to get back into Nova Community College and surround herself with better influences. So she joined Alpha right before our Alpha retreat. At the retreat she learned about the Holy Spirit and his power to transform lives.
Another student, named Yami, explained to Helen from the Bible about being born again, and Helen was ready to pray a salvation prayer right away. Afterwards she announced to the group: “I prayed that prayer. I’m not sure how you say it, but I’ve been adopted!” A few weeks later Helen was baptized at our church.
At her baptism she said, “Before Jesus, I had a drug and alcohol problem. Now after, Jesus has set me free!” Though she joined Alpha mid-semester, God used this resource to bring spiritual freedom to her life!
