Explore life, faith & meaning
What is Alpha?
We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore faith, ask questions and share their point of view.
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the world and everyone’s welcome. It runs online, in cafés, churches, universities, homes—you name it. No two Alpha’s look the same, but generally they have three key things in common: hospitality, a talk and good discussion.
What does it look like?
Hospitality
Whether in person over a meal or virtually with a cup of coffee, all sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships.
Talk
The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each talk is around thirty minutes long and given by a speaker or played as a video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus?, How does God guide us? and Why and how do I pray?
Discussion
One of the most important parts of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and discuss in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s 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.
What I love about Alpha is that it’s not really a formula, it’s just community, around a table, with the gospel of Jesus and an openness to Holy Spirit.
I especially appreciate the ecumenical spirit of Alpha: there is no pressure on anybody to join a different denomination, but just to join Jesus.
Find an Alpha near you
Alpha is running around the world. Search below for an Alpha being hosted near you. There’s no cost, no pressure and no follow-up if you decide after the first session not to come back. Alpha is typically 9-12 weeks long.
If you are unable to locate an Alpha course close to you, please contact us and let us know that you are interested in attending the Alpha Course and we will do all we can to help. For any other questions, check out the FAQ’s section below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alpha
Trying Alpha
What is Alpha ?
Alpha is a multi-week course exploring the basics of the Christian faith. Each session looks at a different question around faith and the talks are designed to create conversation in small groups afterwards. Find out more about Alpha here.
What happens at Alpha ?
Every Alpha is different, but generally they have three things in common: food, a talk and discussion.
Hospitality – Whether in person over a meal or virtually with a cup of coffee, all sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships.
Talk – The talks explore the basics of the Christian faith and are designed to inspire conversation. Usually around thirty minutes long, they can be given as a live talk or played as an episode. Preview an Alpha talk.
Discussion – There is time after the talk where you can share your thoughts and ideas on the session’s topic. You can say anything.
How can I find an Alpha near me ?
Just head to Try Alpha and type in your town or postcode to find an Alpha near you – then you can contact the team running it to let them know you’re interested in coming and ask any questions you might have.
I can’t see an Alpha near me. What do I do ?
Try selecting ‘Any’ from the ‘Starting in’ dropdown menu. If you still can’t see an Alpha running where you are, Contact us and we’ll do all we can to help. If you are a pastor/ministry leader serving in the Gulf region and interested in running Alpha visit the Run Alpha page or contact us.
How much does it cost ?
Alpha is completely free. There is no cost for any of the resources we provide, and, if you attend an ‘in-person’ Alpha you even get a meal for free
How do I sign up ?
Just head to Try Alpha, search for a course run by a church in your location and contact them to get more information. If you don’t find a course, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you