On Sunday, October 1, 2023, a small group of volunteers from Lake Avenue Church prepared to greet a group of seekers who had chosen to attend the Alpha Class. Tables were arranged, coffee brewed, food prepared, and computer videos cued up. As the people arrived, they were greeted, bread was broken, conversations were begun, and questions were asked. The 8-week Alpha journey had begun. Over the course of these eight weeks friendships were made, lives were changed, and God was glorified.

None of this would have been possible without the people who willingly gave of their time and talents to make it happen. Charged by Pastor Mathew John to build a missional community and in response to the Great Commission, Lake Avenue members gave their time and talents to create an environment where new disciples could be nurtured and welcomed into the community of believers.

Meals were prepared and served by Rooted groups, adult Sunday school classes, Men in Real Life, Morning and Evening Break and other individuals. These generous people shared their time and their love to make the seekers feel welcome at Lake.

Lives were indeed changed by this experience. Curiously, though, it wasn’t just the seekers and new Christians who experienced this transformation. If you have followed Jesus for an extended time, maybe your entire life, it’s easy to feel that you have it all figured out. You’ve read the Bible, you’ve memorized scripture, attended service, taken part in Sunday school classes, in short, you have a graduate degree in Christianity.

When you bring a group of seekers into a room and give them the space to ask the questions that they need answers to, you may begin to ask yourself the same questions. Why do I believe? What do I believe? Does this really mean what I think it means? Do I really have it all figured out or am I just coasting along happy in my reality?

Pastor Mathew reminded us recently that God is not a question to be answered, but a mystery to be explored. Am I still exploring that mystery, or have I answered the question?

As one of the volunteers who served, along with my wife and some dear friends, I know first-hand how this experience can change people. By the end of the eight weeks, I am sure that we had grown as much as those strangers who walked in that first night in October.

This April, a new group of seekers will gather as the spring Alpha session begins. Once again, Lake Avenue members will volunteer to give their time and talents to make new disciples. Questions will be asked, bread will be broken, friendships will form, and lives will be changed.

You, dear friend, could be one of those whose life is changed. Your faith can be grown and nurtured. You can make a difference in your life, in others’ lives, and all in the name of Christ.