New Visitor - Religious Education / Discussion

One of the ideas that many Evangelical Churches are doing is to have an initial introductory small group experience / discussion for all visitors.  Alpha is once such course offered by members/ministers who they themselves have passed and received some certification.

My major concerns of adopting an outside curriculum:

• Does it fit within a church that has an official catechism which needs to be respected and taught 
• Sole focus on conversion and "salvation" events and not a deeper understanding of faith and faith in action
• Are they affiliated or controlled by groups or are sleeper groups for folks like Promise Keepers or The Family -- extremist and divisive. 

Alpha USA

http://www.alphausa.org/

The Alpha Course has been running for more than 26 years. It began at Holy Trinity Brompton in central London, in the late 1970s, as a means of presenting the basic principles of the Christian faith to new Christians in a relaxed and informal setting. By 1990, when former lawyer Nicky Gumbel took over the course, Alpha was a central feature of the church's life. While leading his second Alpha course, Nicky realized this course could also appeal to non-churchgoers and he adapted it, making it welcoming and suitable for such individuals. 

Introduction Dinner:	Is there more to life than this?
Week 1:	Who is Jesus?
Week 2:	Why did Jesus die?
Week 3:	How can we have faith?
Week 4:	Why and how do I pray?
Week 5:	Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6:	How does God guide us?
Week 7:	How can I resist evil?
Week 8:	Why & how should we tell others?
Week 9:	Does God heal today?
Week 10:	What about the Church?
Weekend:	Who is the Holy Spirit?
	What does the Holy Spirit do?
	How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
	How can I make the most of the rest of my life?