I have found on Alpha that those from an essentially enlightened background feel at home with the parts of the course which appeal to the mind, but often have difficulty in experiencing the Holy Spirit. Others coming from the New Age movement find that rational and historical explanations leave them cold, but at the weekend away they are on more familiar territory in experiencing the Holy Spirit

The most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of your time and attention.

The resurrection of Jesus is rooted in history, grounded in scripture and confirmed in experience.

A happy relationship is made up of two good forgivers.

Stop looking for the perfect church. It does not exist. Even if it did exist, the moment we joined it, it would no longer be perfect!

The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

I think that the gifts of the spirit are always subject to the control of the person who's exercising them. You're not forced in to doing it. Love never forces. And therefore 'the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet' is another way it is put. You don't suddenly find yourself taken over by a spirit and find yourself speaking tongues. You're in control, but it's a gift. You can stop and start as you please, but it's a way of communicating with God.