Alpha is
a worldwide phenomenon. It’s found in over 160 countries.
It’s run in tens of thousands of churches of all
denominations. More than 13 million people have taken this
opportunity to explore the meaning of life. Perhaps it’s
your turn.
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 an amazing one-day
or weekend getaway. 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?
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.
The
Alpha course usually lasts 10 weeks, with a day or weekend
getaway in the middle. Courses vary in size, from one small
group meeting in a home, to hundreds of people in a church.
Some courses are held over morning coffee or during a lunch
hour. Most are evening courses, typically lasting 2 hours.
Each
gathering begins with a meal or refreshments - 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:
Introduction
Dinner: Is there more to life than this?
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 & how should we
tell others?
Week 9: Does God heal today?
Week 10: What
about the Church?
