Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting.
The course comprises a supper launch, followed by 10 weekly sessions, and the Holy Spirit day (that
many people say is the highlight) which is usually held on a Saturday.
Our next Alpha course will be held on Thursday evenings. We begin at 7.30pm with a free hot meal (with vegetarian option), followed by either a DVD or live talk given by local speakers. After tea and coffee there is time for discussion – often (but not always) based on the topic for the evening. We end at 9.30pm.
Look on the calendar to see weekly dates and venues, please email alpha@rock.gg or call Andy and Anita on 253251 for further information and directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to come to all the sessions?
No, but many people say they get most out of the course if they can attend the majority or all of the evenings. It’s up to guests to decide what is best for them.
Is it free?
Yes, there are no costs for food or course materials (the Alpha manual is given to guests).
Who else will be there?
Each course is different, and will include people from different faiths or none. For some it is an opportunity to explore Christianity for the first time. For others, it allows them to get back to the basics. Guests are usually aged between 16 to 80!
What topics are covered?
The topics covered are as follows:
Launch Supper - 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? and How does God guide us?
Week 5 - Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6 - Who is the Holy Spirit?
Holy Spirit Day - What does the Holy Spirit Do? and How can I be filled with the Spirit?
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? and How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
Will I have to speak when there is discussion at the table?
Not if you don’t want to – people are free simply to listen to others if that’s what they would prefer.
Will I have to ‘join in’ with things?
There is the opportunity to experience prayer and contemporary worship (this is a practical introduction to Christianity). Some guests prefer to just listen while others sing, and are happy to hear others pray – but feel they would rather not take part directly. This is entirely OK. However, guests often report that the things they found most difficult early on were in fact, with hindsight, the best parts of the course.
Can I repeat the course if I want to?
If you missed a few sessions and want to repeat the course, that is OK. However, if you want to do the course twice because you enjoyed it so much, we would usually say ‘No’ simply because we want new guests to have a chance to experience Alpha. But sometimes people can repeat Alpha if they return as helpers.
Can I come with a friend?
If you have invited someone along, then do feel free to join them each evening.
Why is Alpha recommended by you?
Because many people have not had the chance to really explore what Christianity (or life itself) is actually about. In modern society there is a great deal of misunderstanding. Many guests are amazed at what they find out when they have the chance to talk with others in a relaxed setting. For many, life is so busy that they never get the chance to ask fundamental questions.
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