The Alpha course started at HTB in London, UK and is a series of group sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith, typically spanning over eleven weeks. Each session begins with a meal, some time to connect with others, and is followed by watching a short video together that dives into some of the most common questions people have about faith like; is there more to life than this? how do I read the Bible? how can we have faith? who is Jesus and why did he have to die? The videos are designed to create conversation where people are free to share what they think and feel about some of those questions in an open, informal and non-judgmental space. Alpha runs in every part of the global church and runs in cafés, churches, universities, homes — you name it.
Alpha is for anyone who have questions about the Christian faith. People attend from all backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. Many of the guests that attend Alpha have never been to church before. Others may have attended church but feel they've never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
Every Alpha is different, but generally they have three things in common:
Alpha can be run for free depending on if you download or purchase certain course materials. This means the only cost to you might be the food offering, which also depends on what you'll offer. Will it be a full meal, finger foods and appetizers, or just dessert and beverages?
Learn more about how Alpha can impact your church culture and change your community for the better!
YES! Alpha is offered for youth, as a marriage course and in prisons.
The Alpha USA team will train and equip you to run Alpha — all for free. Visit this webpage for an overview of how to run Alpha, and click here to see an upcoming event of Alpha USA equipping events.
For all your Alpha questions and needs, you can contact:
Jenna Gaeddert, Alpha USA Network Director, Kansas | Missouri at jennagaeddert@alphausa.org
Brittany McIntyre, Missional Strategist and Executive Assistant for the Missouri Conference of the UMC at bmcintyre@moumethodist.org