It would be easy, especially for a Christian college, to simply put on a show for incoming freshman and returning students. Just hire a charismatic speaker, add a rock band, read some Scripture, and you have the recipe for a typical weekend “welcome” retreat. But the leaders at Emmanuel College had a better idea.  ALPHA weekend was not about hype or unrealistic emotional highs—instead, it was about the process of connecting with God on a foundational, holistic level.

“Starting the year off in the right way is very important,” said Dr. Michael Stewart, President of Emmanuel College. “The ALPHA Conference, August 14-17, focused on the Christ-centered mission of EC and our need for God’s help in fulfilling it.”

Campus Pastor Chris Maxwell set the spiritual tone for the semester by preaching on the biblical basis for the college’s credo: Emmanuel College is a Christ-centered, liberal arts institution which strives to prepare students to become Christ-like disciples who integrate faith, learning, and living for effective careers, scholarship, and service. “Plan to enter this new season of education by experiencing God,” Maxwell said. “Let’s be changed together as we welcome Him into our faith, our learning and our living."

Emmanuel’s student volunteers helped Pastor Maxwell plan the weekend so that new and returning students could have a fresh start. “Many students arrive at (or return to) Emmanuel College with poor habits regarding their faith, studying styles, and personal lives,” explained Sean Williamson, Director of Counseling Services. “ALPHA weekend is a time for them to examine those areas. Are they prepared to make a change? I believe many of our students are ready."

They were.On Saturday night of the conference, after Maxwell had given a sermon entitled Why is Learning So Important?, sophomore Ann Macmillan realized her attitude toward homework needed to be altered.

"I always dreaded doing my assignments,” Ann confessed, “But during ALPHA, I became conscious of the fact my schoolwork can be a form of worship. Since then, I’ve been more diligent in completing things on time, and more open to what God might teach me through my work.” While no one is necessarily begging for extra homework, ALPHA weekend did help many students understand the connection between learning about God and loving Him.

Students were not the only ones affected by ALPHA. Dr. Deborah Stark, a professor of music at EC, said, “God spoke to me on Friday night of the conference. The Lord let me know that he is in control and I simply need to be obedient in faith.” Besides the spoken word, Stark was ministered to through other aspects of the services. She commented, “I loved the artistic diversity! Seeing the various mediums of drama, music, dance, video, lighting, and testimonies all connecting thematically was powerful.”

One of the most refreshing aspects of ALPHA weekend was the creative freedom the students enjoyed. The conference marked the debut of the Creative Worship Teams at Emmanuel College. A network of greeters, prayer ministers, musicians, publicists, media producers, and hospitality workers fostered a sense of community in chapel services. The Emmanuel College Players performed two dramas that incorporated complicated dance moves. Melissa Morrison, Miss Emmanuel, appreciated the alternate form of worship. She remarked, “A lot of people think worship is just someone with a microphone singing Shout to the Lord. But I think diverse ways of praise can reach the diverse student body of Emmanuel College."

Emmanuel’s student body is diverse, but thankfully ALPHA weekend allowed for students and faculty from assorted backgrounds to unite in celebration of a new semester. EC President Dr. Michael Stewart rejoices in this unity. He stated, “Students, faculty, and staff together worshiping the Lord and affirming our mutual commitments---that is a great way to begin the year!”

And it was.

By Georgia Meredith Grady