In the article, Nicky is quoted as saying that Alpha wasn't designed as an "evangelical" course.

I'm not sure if the word "evangelical" is a typo error or Nicky's actual word. Did Nicky say "evangelistic" but is misquoted as saying "evangelical"? I've often heard these two words "evangelical" and "evangelistic" used interchangeably. If Nicky has been misquoted, then what he is trying to say is that Alpha was not designed specifically as an outreach (evangelistic) course. In fact, Alpha started off more like a new member's course, than a course for evangelising non-church goers. However, if Nicky is quoted correctly, then he is wrong to say that Alpha is an "evangelical" course. The word "evangelical" refers to a particular theological position that includes belief in the authority of the Bible, the sufficiency of the Cross for atoning for sin, the need for a conversion experience and the emphasis on evangelism. Clearly, Alpha is written from an evangelical and charismatic theological persuasion. I have been involved with Alpha as a training consultant in churches, workplaces and prisons over the last 11 years. But in recent weeks, as we begin a partnership with the Roman Catholics for Prison Alpha, we realize that there are some RCs who are a little uncomfortable with the decidedly evangelical stance of Alpha, particularly the emphasis of salvation by grace through faith alone. So, Alpha is both an evangelistic and an evangelical course. Chee Min (http://alphafaqs.blogspot.com)

Interesting question.

I'm not sure if the original recording of the interview is still around, but it would probably be worth checking!

I'm guessing that Nicky would have meant "evangelistic", given the context

I don't think we had a recording, just four of us sat taking notes by hand. Ah, the good old days! And yes, I think you must be right, "evangelistic" sounds far more plausible in the context, undoubtedly a typo. I'll see if I can rectify that...