Everyone is welcome on an Alpha course and people attend for a wide variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

People come from many different backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints - but all come with the same objective: to establish whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives.

To get an idea of what Alpha is about, we invite you to click on the screen below to preview a short segment of the first night's Introductory Video.

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What is Alpha?
Alpha is a ten-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.

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 Rev. 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?
Those wanting to investigate Christianity.
New Christians.
Those who feel that they have never really got going as a Christian.
Newcomers to the church.
Those who want to brush-up on the basics.

What's involved?
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.

This class will be held on Wednesday evenings (check if course is currently offered). For more information about Alpha, contact Jan Lamm in the Christian Education Office at 412-364-6694.