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 – a style which seems to be appreciated in Canadian culture.
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 2500 Alpha courses running in Canada and about 650,000 Canadians have already participated. Most Canadians live within easy access of an Alpha course. Find a Course near you.
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 Revd Nicky Gumbel. More than 28,000 Alpha courses are now running in 144 countries and Alpha materials have been translated into almost 50 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.
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