Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.

Alpha is a place where answers to key questions of life can be discovered through discussion and relationship, and where each person’s faith can develop at their own pace, without pressure from others.

There are three key components to each Alpha course meeting: a meal, a talk, and discussion in small groups. The meal allows for friendships to develop amongst the guests, the talk presents key aspects of the Christian faith, while the small group discussion gives the guests the opportunity to talk about the questions they have.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Anyone wanting to explore the meaning of life! More than 13 million people have now attended Alpha courses in tens of thousands of churches, homes, workplaces, schools, military bases, prisons and retirement homes worldwide. Alpha is supported and used by all the major Christian denominations.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

We use a useful mnemomic to explain how the Alpha course works, based on the word A.L.P.H.A.

A is for anyone:

Alpha is for anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. This includes at least five categories of people.

• Those who are not Christians.
• Those who are not churchgoers.
• Those who are new Christians.
• Those who want to brush up on the basics.
• Those new to your church.

L is for learning and laughter:

It is possible to learn about the Christian faith and have a great deal of fun at the same time. At Alpha courses there is always a lot of laughter over the meals and in discussion groups. During the talks we try to introduce as much humour as we can.

Humour breaks down barriers and makes people feel relaxed. We are trying to avoid intensity, because intensity is very off-putting to people outside the church.

P is for prata, popiah or pizza:

The meal on Alpha has a profound significance because it is over the meal that friendships are formed. The meal gives guests the opportunity to relax with each other and talk about what ever they want - from work to football, family, the weather, whatever! Basically, it is a time to share about the everyday things of life.

H is for helping one another:

It is amazing to watch a group of people from outside the church changing over the course of ten weeks. There are many factors involved in this process, including the talks and the hosts and helpers. But very often it is because the guests themselves are helping each other through their sharing and discussions.

A is for ask anything:

On Alpha, no question is regarded as too simple or too hostile. Some of the people who come on the course may be angry, confused or antogonistic, and that is absolutely fine! - these are the people the course is designed for.

THE ALPHA TALKS

There are 15 talks on the Alpha course, which are given over the ten weeks of the course and the weekend away. Each talk covers key areas of the Christian faith, and small group discussion takes place after each talk.

Session 1: Is there More to Life than This?  Why should Christianity be of any interest to me? Is there any evidence that it is true? Does the Christian faith have any relevance to my life today?

Session 2: Who is Jesus? What historical evidence is there for the existence of Jesus? This talk considers his claims, his teaching, his character, his fulfilment of prophecy and his resurrection from the dead.

Session 3: Why did Jesus Die? The cross is the central image of Christianity. Why was the crucifixion necessary and what did it achieve?

Session 4: How can we have Faith? How can we begin a relationship with God and how can we know that we have eternal life?

Session 5: Why and how do I Pray? Does God really hear all our prayers? If so, does he answer them? Where do I start?

Session 6: Why and how should I Read the Bible? What’s so special about the Bible? How can this ancient book be relevant to my life today? How could I study it more?

Session 7: How does God Guide us? Life is full of decisions. Is it possible for God to take an interest in the choices we make every day? If so, how and how much does he direct our lives?

Session 8: Who is the Holy Spirit? We know about God the Father and Jesus the Son, but who is the Holy Spirit and where did he come from?

Session 9: What does the Holy Spirit do? How does the Holy Spirit affect our relationship with God and with each other? Does he change our character and attitude?

Session 10: How can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? And how, in practice, does it happen?

Session 11: How can I Resist Evil? How does
Christianity explain the evil we see in our world? What can we do to overcome it?

Session 12: Why and how should I tell Others? Isn’t faith in God a private matter? Why do we need to talk about what we believe? What’s the best way of doing it?

Session 13: Does God Heal Today? Is healing from God really possible today? If so, why doesn’t God heal everyone? How do I go about praying for the sick?

Session 14: What about the Church? Do you have to go to church to be a Christian? How much does the church really matter to God? Where do we fit in?

Session 15: How can I Make the Most of the Rest of my Life? We only get one life. What difference does a relationship with God make to the way we live?