What is Alpha?
Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course usually meets once per week for 10 weeks, and includes a retreat. Each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile…questions like—Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going?
Who Is Alpha For?
Alpha is for anyone…anyone who thinks there may be more to life than meets the eye.
People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and more. Some people want to get beyond religion and find a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course.
Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome.
How Much Will It Cost?
There is no charge for attending the Alpha course.
What Happens At Alpha?
The Alpha course usually lasts 10 weeks, with a one or two-day retreat in the middle.
Each gathering begins with a meal--a chance to get to know others. Then there is a short talk which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion and ask questions. People usually stay in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.
The talks each week cover the following topics, acting as a springboard for the small group discussions:
|
|
|
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 and how should we tell others? |
|
Week 9: |
Does God heal today? |
|
Week 10: |
What about the Church? |
|
Retreat: |
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? |
How Did Alpha Start?
The Alpha course has been running for more than 30 years. It began at Holy Trinity Brompton in central London, England 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.
During the 1990s, the Alpha course spread--first throughout the UK and then internationally--as more churches and groups found it a helpful way to answer people’s questions about the Christian faith. Now, there are more than 33,500 courses run in 169 countries and the Alpha course is supported by all major denominations.
For more information, go to the Alpha USA website.
