Alpha Course

The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren’t churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend. People come to the course for a wide variety of reasons – some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples’ beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. Some have never been to church; others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

Format

The course lasts for 11 weeks, and usually takes place on Sunday evenings. There is an awayday on a Saturday in the middle of the course. In the Parish of Aston and Nechells we normally run 3 Alpha courses a year, so usually you won’t have long to wait to start a course.

Each session begins with a meal or refreshments – a chance to get to know others on the course. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.

There is no charge for attending the Alpha course.

Course Content

The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:

• Week 1 – My life and God
• Week 2 – Who is Jesus?
• Week 3 – Why did Jesus die?
• Week 4 – How can we have faith?
• Week 5 – Why and how do I pray?
• Week 6 – Why and how should I read the Bible?
• Week 7 – How does God guide us?
• Week 8 – How can I resist evil?
• Week 9 – Why and how should I tell others?
• Week 10 – Does God heal today?
• Week 11 – What about the Church?

The awayday concentrates on the Holy Spirit

• Who is the Holy Spirit?
• What does the Holy Spirit do?
• How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?

More information about the course, and where else you might find a course, can be found on the Alpha Course website.