The Alpha Course
If you have questions about Christianity, we would love to invite you to join the next Alpha course.
The next evening course begins with a supper on Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 7.30pm in the Crypt Chapel at Christ Church and runs for ten weeks. Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life.
For more information, please pick up an invitation at the Information Desk or email alpha@ccspitalfields.org
What is the Alpha Course?
The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend.
As a course, Alpha attracts a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 churches are currently running the Alpha course across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.
People find out about the Alpha course in a number of ways - a recommendation from a friend, a poster, flyer, newspaper article or advert, or through the website or an internet search.
Why attend the Alpha course?
Guests do Alpha for a wide variety of reasons - some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples' beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. 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.
Some courses are specifically tailored for a particular setting or group - such courses are held in gyms, prisons, offices, residential homes, universities, parent and toddler groups, youth clubs, armed forces bases and schools, and with the deaf, blind and those who speak English as an overseas language (ESOL).
How Alpha Courses Work
Alpha courses are based around small groups, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.
Courses vary in size, from one small group meeting in a home, to hundreds of people in a larger venue. Some Alpha courses are held over morning coffee or during a lunch hour, most are evening courses, typically lasting 2 hours. Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships.
Alpha Courses Weekly Format
The whole Alpha course usually lasts for 10 weeks, with a day or weekend away in the middle. Each session begins with a meal. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week.This is followed by a time of discussion in the small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group.
The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.
There is no charge for attending the Alpha course.
The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:
* 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 I tell Others?
* Week 9 Does God Heal Today?
* Week 10 What about the Church?
Day or weekend away
* 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?
What people say about Alpha
"What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning."
The Guardian, London
"What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings - that, and its astonishing success."
The Times, London
"Many claim Alpha has changed their lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience."
Time Magazine
"Alpha is an unqualified triumph."
The Daily Telegraph, London
To find out more about Alpha visit their website.