Alpha Courses

We discovered the ‘Alpha Course’ about two years ago, though Alpha has been running all over the UK, and now all over the world for a lot longer than that.

Developed by Holy Trinity Church, Brompton in the seventies, this course of 1 meeting a week for 13 weeks, plus a day or weekend away, is now used in every Christian denomination I can think of for a number of purposes:

• To introduce the basics of Christianity to those who are interested or just plain curious
• To educate new Christians in the basics of their faith
• As a refresher for ‘older’ Christians

Its popularity has a lot to do with its friendly and informal style. Meetings start with a meal and a chat, and the teaching is done painlessly by watching the articulate but approachable Nicky Gumbel speak on video, followed by a discussion in which Alpha ‘guests’ (as they are called) are invited to ask or say anything which is on their mind.

Its success in terms of participants (helpers as well as guests) developing a new or closer relationship with God is down to the awesome power of the Holy Spirit!

We have run two Alpha courses at SABC now, with groups of between 7 and 10 guests, and plan to launch another in autumn 2004. As a result we now have several new Christians and more refreshed and re-energised disciples. Both groups stayed together for a while, continuing to learn more about how their faith should affect the way they live their lives, through Bible study and prayer, and have grown strong and supportive friendships.

The highlight was our weekend in February at Abbot Hall, Kent’s Bank (South Lakes). We had a fantastic time of learning, sharing, fellowship and fun and experienced God’s presence, love and power in new and exciting ways.