A report prepared by an independent organisation, Christian Research, has revealed the tremendous evangelical achievements of the Alpha Course in the UK during 2004.

First of all, the number of people attending an Alpha course recorded a 17 percent increase compared to 2003. Around 182,000 people attended Alpha courses last year, thus the total number of UK people who have taken part in Alpha courses so far now tops 1.8 million.

The average size of a course stood at 20.5 guests, which is the largest it has ever been. By analysing the statistics, Alpha Course appears to be very efficient in evangelising the young generation.

It is reported that 59 percent of all guests attending an Alpha Course is now under 40, and 29 percent under 30. The average age of a non-churchgoing guest at an Alpha course also fell. As many churches start to recognise the benefits of Alpha Courses to young people, the Youth Alpha course and Alpha for Students has become more popular among churches.

According to the report, 47 percent of Alpha churches adopted the Youth Alpha course compared to 33 percent in 2003. For Alpha for Students, the number of Alpha churches involved has drastically increased from 7 percent to 18 percent in 2004.

"This shows that Alpha has the ability to appeal to younger, post-modern, people (which is very significant)," Dr Brierley of Christian Research commented in the report.

Concerning the annual Alpha Invitation in September 2004, amazing achievements were found. The participation from the Alpha churches was overwhelming.

73 percent of Alpha churches hosted a supper party compared to 56 percent in 2003. An additional 24 percent either hosted a non-supper event or joined in with another church’s supper. There was also a 38 percent increase in the number of churches holding Alpha prayer meetings.

Dr Brierley from Christian Research said, "In 2004, considerably more churches were involved...than previously. That has to be very encouraging."

"Last year was an exceptionally good year for Alpha courses," he concluded.