The Alpha Course
The Alpha Course is a program designed to explore topics of life and faith through a series of presentations and discussions. Created in Britain, but now running in thousands of churches around the world, Alpha looks at different questions over the course of eleven weeks. Dinner is provided at no cost, though donations are welcome. This is a perfect opportunity to engage a neighbor or questioning friend to invite them to look at the deeper questions of life, in a no-pressure conversation. For more information about Alpha, see www.alphausa.org.
Good Shepherd offered the Alpha Course in the Winter of 2022. The next Alpha Course will begin in January of 2023. To register yourself or a friend, contact the church office.
What To Expect
Alpha runs in cafés, churches, universities, homes —you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have three key things in common: food, a talk and good conversation.
First...
Food
Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, or a quick catch-up over coffee and cake, food has a way of bringing people together. It’s no different at Alpha. We start with food, because it’s a great way to encourage community and get to know each other.
Then...
Talk
The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Generally thirty-forty minutes long, they can be given as a live talk or played as a video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as, Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith?
Followed by...
Discussion
Probably the most important part of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything. And there’s nothing you can’t say. It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.