Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. People of all ages are welcome.
Learning and laughter. It's possible to learn about the Christian faith and have fun at the same time.
People meeting together. An opportunity to get to know each other and to make new friends.
Helping one another. The small group gives you a chance to discuss issues raised during the talks.
Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is regarded as too simple ot too hostile.
Alpha is designed for people intested in investigating Christianity; newcomers to the church; new Christians; couple preparing for marriage; and those who want to brush up on the basics.
At a typical Alpha programme there are the following elements: (a) a meal; (b) a talk that answers a question and (c) a time of discussion in small groups. The following topics are explored: Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? What and how should I read the Bible? Why and how do I pray? What about the Holy Spirit? How does God guide us? How can I overcome evil? Why and how should I tell others? Does God heal today? What about the church? After each
These topics could be adapted according to a local churches context. For example, the Edenvale Baptist Church in South Africa uses the following topics in order: Who is jesus? Why did Jesus die? What about evil and suffering? How can I be sure? Can I communicate with God? What about the Holyy Spirit? How does God guide us? What about other religions? Does God heal today? What about baptism?
The Alpha programme also has material that has been adapted for a youth context - known as Youth Alpha. Groups that have run the Youth Alpha programme have found that they needed to shorten the number of weeks over which the course is run from about 16 to 8. They also suggest a reduction in the length of the talks from 40 minutes to 20 minutes.
The course includes a day or a weekend away - usually half way through the course and dealing with the Holy Spirit.
The Windsor Fellowship youth group, The Den, has come up with an adapted programme that they are calling Sport Alpha. They are meeting as a youth group on a Saturday afternoon from 2:30-5:00 in a home. The afternoon will include a number of sports events such as volleyball and will conclude with an hour in which Youth Alpha will be presented. This is aimed at unchurched youth who are at least intersted in exploring what Christianity is all about.
Return to Model of Youth Ministry