Bryan Stalder
Contributor

For many in the Historic Northeast, the stone steps of a church are a familiar sight only a couple times a year. Whether it’s the glow of Christmas Eve candles or the floral brightness of Easter Sunday, “CEO” (Christmas and Easter Only) attendance has become a defining feature of American spiritual life.
Recent data from Gallup and Pew Research reflects that shift. Regular church attendance in the U.S. has steadily declined over the last two decades, dropping from about 42% in the early 2000s to roughly 30% today. At the same time, the number of Americans identifying with no particular religion continues to rise. And yet, a countercurrent is forming: Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly seeking out in-person, community-centered experiences—sometimes even returning to spaces their parents left behind.
But for many, the traditional Sunday morning format can still feel like a barrier. For those carrying doubts, frustrations, or complicated histories with faith, walking into a service doesn’t always feel like a natural first step.
That’s where LifeConnection Church Northeast hopes to meet people.
Starting April 13, LifeConnection (217 Benton Blvd.) will launch its second installment of the Alpha Course, an informal, discussion-based gathering designed for anyone curious about life, faith, or meaning—regardless of where they’re starting from. After a strong turnout during its inaugural run last fall, the church is once again opening its doors to neighbors who may not see themselves in a typical pew.
“Alpha is really for anyone,” says Pastor Matt Carleton. “Whether you’ve never stepped foot in a church, or you’ve attended your whole life but still have lingering questions about the Bible or the point of it all, this is a place to reanalyze what you believe.”
Alpha isn’t structured like a church service. Instead, each evening follows a simple rhythm: a free meal, a short talk or video exploring a question of faith, and small group discussions where participants can share openly—or simply listen.
That final piece—the conversation—is what sets Alpha apart.
“There is no pressure to contribute, and more importantly, no pressure to agree,” Carleton says. “It’s about creating a space where people can be honest.”
For some attendees, that openness is exactly what drew them in.
Evelyn Ortiz says she initially came to Alpha not out of faith, but out of frustration—and curiosity.
“I had previous conversations with Matt and Amy about my lack of faith and anger towards God,” Ortiz says. “I was told Alpha was similar to a support group; people who had questions about God could come together and talk. I was curious, so I went.”
Ortiz was upfront about her expectations—or lack of them.
“I told them I didn’t expect to change my views on who I believed God to be,” she says. “I was very hesitant. I knew I didn’t seek a relationship, and I made that known before attending. But I was still being invited.”
That persistence, paired with her own curiosity, led her to give it a try—even if she showed up guarded.
“I honestly was very defensive the first night,” she says. “My guard was up. But it was interesting to hear different people’s views on their relationship toward God and religion in general. I found that I enjoyed talking with people who had questions just like me.”
What she found wasn’t pressure—it was connection.
“I would describe Alpha as welcoming, friendly, and nonjudgmental,” Ortiz says. “Being able to express certain feelings or views with others helped me realize I was not alone with my confusion with God. It provided a safe place to do that.”
While her theological views haven’t necessarily shifted, something else has.
“I still struggle with my views on how I see God and religion,” she says. “But my views on community have changed. Alpha was a start in changing that view. It felt like a needed group therapy.”
Ortiz points to one idea that stayed with her: the importance of connection, especially during difficult seasons.
“A topic that really stuck with me is that regardless of where you are in your journey with God, community and connection is important—especially when dealing with a life crisis,” she says.
Even the practical elements of Alpha helped lower barriers.
“Food and conversation made it easier to go,” Ortiz adds. “I didn’t have to worry about making dinner for my family, and it made talking with other people easier as well.”
For Aydee Martinez, the experience began with a simple invitation—and a bit of uncertainty.
“I was actually a little nervous and didn’t know what it was going to be like,” Martinez says. “But it all went well. Everyone was very friendly and kind.”
Though she missed the first couple sessions, Martinez says she felt a pull to attend.
“I really wanted to be there,” she says. “Something inside me said to go. I had never attended something like Alpha, so it was very interesting for me.”
Like Ortiz, Martinez emphasizes the atmosphere.
“It felt very peaceful,” she says. “Everyone is so welcoming and very nice. They treated me like family.”
That sense of belonging helped her engage more deeply with topics she hadn’t fully explored before—particularly forgiveness.
“I used to feel like I wasn’t good enough to serve Jesus because of the way I lived my life at a certain stage,” Martinez says. “But I learned that no matter how tired or busy we are, God doesn’t judge. He is always there for us, just waiting for us to seek him.”
The discussion format made that exploration feel accessible.
“Everyone was free to express their point of view without feeling embarrassed or judged,” she says. “It actually feels like you can be yourself with no masks on. You get to share your life stories, and you learn from others.”
And, like Ortiz, she appreciated the role something as simple as a shared meal played.
“The food part is actually a great idea—who doesn’t love food?” Martinez says with a laugh. “It’s a great way of bringing people together.”
For Martinez, Alpha wasn’t just an interesting experience—it was transformative.
“Yes, I see things differently,” she says. “I feel my relationship with ‘Chuyito’—Jesus—has grown stronger. I know I’m not fully where I want to be, but one step at a time.”
As LifeConnection prepares for its next Alpha session, both women say they would encourage others—especially those who feel uncertain—to give it a chance.
“My advice to someone on the fence is to try it out,” Ortiz says. “You may surprise yourself with what you thought wasn’t possible.”
Martinez agrees.
“I would definitely encourage them to attend,” she says. “It’s a great place to hang out and learn about Jesus.”

Event Details: Alpha
When: Mondays, beginning April 13
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: LifeConnection Northeast
217 Benton Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64124
Register: tinyurl.com/nrpjdxbn
Cost: Free

In a cultural moment where faith is often seen as either rigid or irrelevant, Alpha offers something quieter: a table, a conversation, and the freedom to explore without expectation.
As the Easter season approaches, LifeConnection Northeast is inviting the community to consider what comes next. For those searching for connection—or simply a place to ask honest questions—the doors at 217 Benton Blvd. remain open.