Alpha

What Is Alpha?

Alpha is an interactive series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks, with a weekend or day “away” after week 7. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome. The Alpha philosophy is, that everyone should have the chance to explore the Christian faith, and ask questions and share their point of view, wherever they are in the world.

What is the Introductory dinner?

TOPIC – IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS?

Alpha begins with a light introduction dinner. You will meet the Alpha team, and we’ll watch the first episode together, and introduce you to the Alpha series, share some testimonies and give you a taste of what to expect.
At any point, if you think Alpha is not for you, that’s not a problem. There’s no pressure, no follow-up and no charge.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

We meet at Gracepoint, share a light meal and watch an Alpha episode together.
The Alpha episodes are designed to engage and inspire conversation. They’re about 30 minutes long and explore issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus?, How can we have faith? and How does God guide us? and more …

Space to share your thoughts

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 is no obligation to say anything and there is nothing you can’t say (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED ?

If you are new to Alpha / or want a refresher

1) Sign up as a participant/guest #TryAlpha– scan the QR Code or fill in the form below
2) Invite a friend to join you

If you have done Alpha before

1) Serve on Alpha – (hosts, helpers, hospitality team, prayer team, child care etc.) Scan the QR Code or fill in the form below
2) Invite someone to #TryAlpha – (Remember what Alpha did for you) Think of one person that you could bless with one conversation, with one invitation.
3) Support Alpha financially to assist with covering costs to run the course – email alpha@gracepoint.co.za for details

Join the Alpha prayer campaign

LUKE 11:02 – Jesus’ teaching on prayer

a) Write down the names of three people you would like to explore faith
b) Set a daily alarm for 11h02 as a reminder to pray for your 3 people, for Alpha and South Africa
c) Be open and expectant to see how God will use you

WHO IS IT FOR?

It is open to EVERYONE who is curious about faith and interested in unpacking the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment. No question is out of bounds, and you are free to discuss as much or as little you wish.

Alpha is designed particularly for people who would not describe themselves as Christians or Church-goers, so it is an ideal platform to INVITE family and friends that would like to be introduced to Jesus. Many of us, may not have had the opportunity or feel comfortable to discuss faith openly with others. Alpha allows people to ‘ask anything’ and has been described as a catalyst, opening the way for deep relationships with people and with Christ.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED AND CONTINUES TO GROW

Over 24 million people have tried Alpha in over 100 countries, and it has been translated into over 100 different languages. Developed as a short course at HTB in London, in 1990 Nicky Gumbel took over running Alpha and found that many people outside of the church wanted to explore the Christian faith. Alpha now runs in every part of the global church, including the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and all mainline Protestant denominations.

Alpha has been running at Gracepoint Church for over 18 years, and so many have journeyed with us over the years, exploring their faith and finding or deepening their relationship with Jesus.