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 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?

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.

What Happens at Alpha?

The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues related to the Christian faith.

The typical format is below:

· Meal -45 mins

· Talk – 45 mins

· Coffee and small group discussion -45 mins

Sample Schedule

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?

Weekend: 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?

Please note: There is no obligation to attend all ten sessions.

How Much Will it Cost and when is the next course?

The Alpha course is free. Although, a small contribution may be requested for the meals, and for the weekend or day away.  We try to offer this course one -two times a year, usually in the Fall and Winter quarter.

What Course Attendees say…

Mark: “When I first heard about the Alpha course I was at a stage when I was searching for something ‘out there’. I really needed to ask questions and not feel like I was getting a hard-sell pitched at me. Now I perceive things differently and just feel so at peace. I have also met a wonderful bunch of new friends on the course.”

Graham: “The first evening surprised me completely. The people were from all walks of life, from different races, classes and abilities. During the first evening, there were no prayers or heavy preaching. We were just given the opportunity to listen to the talk and then discuss anything we wanted. I chose to ask some challenging and confrontational questions, but they were welcomed, and I was made to feel valued and appreciated. I enjoyed the evening so much that I couldn’t wait to go back the following week…”

Maria: “Before I had always thought you had to do good to be a Christian, and I knew I was not good enough…But the people in Alpha…helped smash that idea…no one is better than the next.”

Anthony: “I didn’t expect the warm welcome I received, the interesting discussions or the lack of pressure to speak in the small groups that followed. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected. If I had an issue with something, I had a forum to voice it with no need to apologize.”

John: “Over the years, church became more of a social club… I’m still figuring it out. I was nervous the first week but was placed at a table with other young people, many of whom were going through the same stuff I was. But now God is a daily part of my life. The friends from Alpha have become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had.”

All of these quotes are from past course attendees.