Alpha
I (Sally Chapman) have been involved in the leadership of around seven ALPHA groups now. We have held them on our own as a Church, we have shared them with other Churches, and we have held them in small groups in a home setting.
For the Teaching we have either used the DVD, or Church Ministers have taught from the front, or in the case of the home settings lay people have shared the teaching. We have served full meals, or in the case of the home settings, we have just served deserts – delicious deserts! I think the most successful ones have been those held in the home setting as they are much more informal.
What is it?
The ALPHA Course I a basic 10-week course, which explores Christianity from a personal point of view. It teaches subjects like ‘Who is Jesus?’ ‘Why did Jesus die?’ and it explores themes like ‘Why and how should I read the Bible?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’ A key part of the Course is the day we spend exploring The Holy Spirit. This takes place about 2/3rds of the way through the course. It focuses on Holy Spirit – Who He is, what He does, and how we can receive Him into our lives. We usually hold this on a Saturday.
Who is it for?
Basically the ALPHA Course is for anyone and everyone who is interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. It attracts non-Christians, new Christians, new-comers to the Church, and those who have been coming to Church for a long time and who want too brush up on the basics. It is very rare not to have at least one person, by the end of the Course, wanting to explore Believer’s Baptism or wanting to re-dedicate themselves to God.
Why is it important?
One of the important things about the ALPHA Course is that it answers the types of questions that people actually ask: it addresses questions like ‘Who am I?’ ‘Where am I going?’ ‘What am I here for?’ ‘ Is there more to life than this?’ It also gives a true, historical, and Biblical basis to the Christian faith.
What happens on the Course?
The ALPHA Course gives the opportunity for people to meet together socially before the Teaching part. Sometimes a full meal is served and sometimes only deserts and coffee are served. This is totally informal and provides a nice warm welcome for people. The Teaching part can last about 30 – 40 minutes and after that there is the opportunity for discussion and perhaps Bible Study. The discussion can be based on points raised from the Teaching or questions from the group members. Each ALPHA group is different as it generates its own atmosphere and growth. Each participant receives a Course Workbook which includes notes that cover the talks and space for you to write your own notes.
When and where is our next ALPHA Course?
Having recently finished a ALPHA Course we do not, at present, have a start date for the next one, but it will probably be September unless there is a need for one sooner. When a date becomes available it will posted here so watch this space!
Contact Info
You are welcome to contact the Church Office to inform us of your interest in being included and we will get back to you. Your messages left at the Office will be passed to me.
Phone Number: 01376 326628
Email:
Main ALPHA Website: www.alpha.org
ALPHA Resources
There are a number of books written by Nicky Gumbel, which form the basis for the talks. These can be ordered from www.alphashop.org or from the Bookstall at Christ Church.
Why Jesus?
Why Christmas?
Alpha Questions of Life
Searching Issues
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