The Willow Creek Association (WCA) was founded in 1992, and works to link like-minded, action-oriented churches with each other and with strategic vision, training, and resources. They are driven by a calling to serve Christ-following leaders as they build biblically functioning churches—authentic, Acts 2 communities of faith that reach increasing numbers of lost people and grow them into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
The Willow Creek Association's goal is to seek out and share God-given breakthroughs with widespread potential from churches around the world, supporting a rapid diffusion of innovation through the local church for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.
The WCA is a not-for-profit ministry, with more than 12,000 Member Churches from 90 denominations and 45 countries. These churches, and others we serve, represent a wide variety of sizes, denominations, and backgrounds, and are ministering in literally every corner of the world.
The Alpha course was developed in response to people who wanted to have the opportunity to investigate the claims of the Christian faith.
Over ten weekly sessions, including a day or weekend away, guests hear the claims of the Christian faith. After the presentation, course attendees have a chance to question what they heard and discuss the validity of the claims.
The support of all the major Christian denominations has enabled the Alpha course to spread rapidly around the world. Today, Alpha is run in over 160 countries and has been translated into more than 100 languages. Courses can also be found in many contexts including churches, homes, workplaces, military bases, colleges, schools, and prisons.
There are many reasons why people enjoy attending the Alpha course. For some it's the no pressure, non-judgmental atmosphere, others enjoy building relationships with new friends, while others appreciate the chance to discuss deep questions of life that they don't otherwise get the chance to ask.
