Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.
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 find out about the Alpha course in a number of ways - a recommendation from a friend, a poster, flyer, newspaper article or advert, or through the web site or an Internet search.
Guests attend 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. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
The course is based around small groups, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.
Courses vary in size, from one small group meeting in a home, to hundreds of people in a larger venue. At Chepstow Methodist Church we run morning courses over coffee & cake for Parents, with child care provided for toddlers by CRB covered staff at the Church and also evening courses with supper usually in private homes.
Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships.
The whole course usually lasts for 10 weeks, with a day or weekend away in the middle.
Each session begins with a meal or refreshments - a chance to get to know others in the small group. 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 in the small groups, 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, although courses may ask for a contribution towards the cost of the food.
The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:
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?
Week 5 Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6 How does
God Guide us?
Day or weekend away (Usually after Week 6)
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What does the Holy
Spirit do?
How can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
How can I Make the Most of the
Rest of my Life?
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?
Past Guests at Chepstow Methodist Church
"It was a wonderful experience to have shared in the Alpha Course; the Lord blessed both of us in the way he opened his word to us and we could share all our Christian Love with others, and what a group we had, they were just great, we still see people from the course in Chepstow on a regular basis, and can share our Christian love with them. Just tell people how much it meant to both of us and any person who is considering doing the Alpha Course, just put them in my direction and I will tell them what they are missing by not doing it."
Graham & Mavis
"Having been brought up in a Christian family and having been a regular Churchgoer didn't stop me from walking away from God for ten years. The Alpha Course brought me back to where I want to be. It has made me think about my relationship with God for the first time ever. The Alpha Course has been excellent in starting me off on the right road. I am far more at peace now, my life has new meaning and I have been fortunate in finding and making new friends. I am grateful that the Alpha Course was there for me.”
Alison
The Alpha Course
We run Alpha Courses at Chepstow Methodist Church.
To find out when our next course starts contact Vera & Brian Lloyd
Find out more about the Alpha Course by reading on below or visit
Alpha South East
Wales: http://alphasewales.org.uk/
Alpha UK: http://uk.alpha.org/
