WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is an eight-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured.
Alpha is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and by the regular churchgoer. No matter what their background, whether investigating Christianity for the first time or revisiting their faith, participants get a lot out of an Alpha Course.
Each week people meet together for a meal, a talk on topics such as "Who is Jesus?", "Why Did Jesus Die?", "How Can I be Sure of My Faith?", and "Does God Still Heal Today?" , followed by small group interaction. There is a day or weekend retreat midway through the course, which focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
There are over 5000 Alpha courses running in the US and about 1,000,000 people in America and Canada have already participated. Most Americans live within easy access of an Alpha course. Find a Course near you.
Churches of every different type and background, including Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Salvation Army, Free Church and House Churches are running Alpha. Because Alpha covers the basics of Christianity all churches provide the same material, making alterations only to suit the local culture.
Alpha originated at Holy Trinity Brompton - an Anglican church in London, England over twenty years ago. The syllabus of the course is contained in the Book "Questions of Life" by Revd Nicky Gumbel. Thousands of Alpha courses are now running in many countries and it has been translated into many different languages.
Church leaders from all denominations report the astonishing impact the course has on non-churchgoers and existing Christians in their areas. And it's spreading fast to many secular locations - prisons, university campuses, businesses and schools.
WHO IS ALPHA FOR?
- People interested in investigating Christianity
- Newcomers to the church
- New Christians
- Couples preparing for marriage
- Christians who want to brush up on the basics
WHAT HAPPENS AT ALPHA?
The evening Alpha course begins with supper, followed by a talk. We then divide into smaller groups for coffee and cookies to discuss any questions raised from the talk.
There is an opportunity to go on a weekend away. This has been a key part of the Alpha course and a great success in helping people get to know each other.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
There is no charge for the Alpha course, although a small contribution might be requested for the meal each evening and for the food and accommodation during the Alpha weekend away.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT ALPHA?
"My wife and I originally were curious to see what Alpha was all about. So, seven years ago, we attended the presentation at our Vineyard church. To say we were impressed would be a gross understatement. Karen
and I were so captivated by the program that we asked to be a part of it.....and we have been involved with Alpha, in some fashion, since then." - Ted Rao
"Wow! Alpha is much more than a beginning. It's a non-threatening, non-confrontational, fun, friendly way to get to know people. During the course, people make quality friendships that are lasting. Along the way, people begin opening up about their true feelings about Jesus. In a comfortable, non-judgmental environment, many find it easy to ask the hard questions and know that they will not get an arguement or a Bible-bashing. Instead, they find a listening ear and someone else at their dinner table who has had similar experiences. It's so much more fun than churchy stuff I've attended before. It's like Cheers ... where everybody knows your name! It has really changed my point of view about a lot of things and it is a very positive experience!" - Karen Rao
"My experience at Alpha was phenomenal. Throughout my entire life there has never been a single event, which has impacted me to become a better person than Alpha. There were two things that brought me to Alpha. The first was a friend. A person I worked for; a Christian. He loved me enough to reach out and invite me to a non-threatening dinner and conversation. If it weren’t for his warm invitation I wouldn’t be a Christian today. The second thing was a prayer, “Jesus, reveal yourself to me.” I prayed that prayer for about a week straight and sure enough, I found myself in Alpha within weeks of praying that prayer. Since coming to Alpha my life has not been the same. At the Alpha retreat I received the Holy Spirit and He came into my life and began to shape me. He began to inspire my thoughts and my dreams. It’s amazing! Before I came to Alpha I was a lost ex-drug addict desperately trying to stay sober. Today I live a life full of purpose and freedom. I live a life of victory in which Christ is Lord." - Scott Hatch