What is Alpha ?

 Alpha Links on this Page

What it’s all about?

Ever wondered what it’s all about? Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets once a week. Each session typically includes a meal, an intriguing talk (often on video), small group discussion and an amazing weekend getaway that comes halfway through the course.

At each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life and God is seen as too simple or too hostile… questions like:

• Is there a God?
• Why am I here?
• Where did I come from?
• Where am I going?
• What came first, the chicken or the egg?

For more information email stagnes@hfx.eastlink.ca or call the office at 902-454-8200 or

St John the Baptist Email office@stjohnbaptist.ca  Phone: 902-477-3110.

Who is Alpha for?

Alpha is for anyone… anyone who thinks there may be more to life than what he or she is experiencing now. If you’ve looked at a church, or at an Alpha invitation, and wondered if you should go… Alpha is for you! People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions around the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and more.

Some people are looking for a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course. All are welcome.

How much does it cost?

The Alpha course is tuition-free. A small contribution may be requested for
the meals and for the weekend getaway.

How does the course work?

Each session begins with a meal or refreshments which is an opportunity to
get to know others in a casual setting.

This is followed by a short talk, which examines a different aspect of the
Christian faith each week. Next is a time of discussion in designated small
groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and
discuss issues with the rest of the group. The emphasis is upon exploration and
discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.

Courses vary in size, from one small group meeting in a home, to hundreds of
people in a larger venue. Some courses are held over morning coffee or during a
lunch hour. Most are evening courses, typically lasting two hours. 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, build trust and deepen
friendships.

The whole course lasts for ten weeks or seven weeks, depending on which format
you choose, with a day or weekend retreat scheduled midway through the course.

What are the talks about?

The talks each week cover the following topics. People then discuss the
evening’s subject in their small groups.

Why Christmas? (Come and See Night)

Who is Jesus?

Why Did Jesus Die?

How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?

Why and How Do I Pray?

Why and How Should I Read the Bible?

How Does God Guide us?

Weekend Away Retreat:

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?

How Can I Resist Evil?

Why and How Should I Tell Others?

Does God Heal Today?

What About the Church?

Norm G.
“I believed that Christians were hypocrites and extremely judgemental. My wife heard about Alpha and signed up. My friend and I agreed to go to just one of the evenings. I ended up joining the group the next week, not because I was interested in Christianity but only to see what was for dinner. In fact it was the dinner that kept me going back each week. God started to call and I would have never expected the journey to take me to where I am today.” (May 2010)

Mark G.
“When I first heard about the Alpha course I was at a stage when I was searching for something ‘out there’. I really needed to ask questions and not feel like I was getting a hard-sell pitched at me. Now I perceive things differently and just feel so at peace. I have also met a wonderful bunch of new friends on the course.”

Michaela F.
“I went along to Alpha and I was so shocked. I thought Christians were really sad, boring people but I couldn’t believe it — everyone was so happy. They all welcomed me and were interested in me.”

Jennifer A.
“I never thought I would reconcile my ‘problems’ with Christianity. Within the Alpha course I was allowed to be as skeptical as I wanted and needed to be. I could have walked away at any time. Instead, I chose to believe.”

Steven B.
“Alpha was the beginning of big changes… I was able to forgive my Dad and I asked God to forgive me. Now I actually love people! It’s just amazing how Jesus is transforming my heart.”

Greg
“My life has purpose now! Doing Alpha has given me a second chance at life. People I know have seen the difference and they love the new me.”

Joyce G.
“I was taught that God was distant. I thought that God’s approval depended on my ability to be perfect. Now I am confident that God loves me in all ways. He walks closely with me and He hasn’t finished with me yet.”

Galvin C.
“I grew up in an atheist household. To me, Bible stories were fairy tales. A friend invited me to Alpha, and I’ve never regretted it. I’ve had so much fun. I made a commitment to Christ, and I’ve never been happier.”

Julia S.
“At the end of the evening, I was astonished at how much I had enjoyed myself. As the weeks went by, I found myself looking forward to [it] — not so much because of the religious aspect but because of the stimulating debates about subjects which, in our busy lives, few of us take time to address.”

Doug S.
“I’ve lived a very violent life and could feel the cycle starting over again. My wife got me to go to Alpha. It sounded like somebody was telling me the truth for the first time. I met God in a personal way. I felt a wave of peace and felt like somebody lifted a million pounds off me.”

Edythe M.
“Before I came to Alpha my life was pretty ragged. I was an alcoholic at 15, clinically depressed at 16, and had a drug problem at 17. God led me to Alpha… lifted me up, and set my feet on firm ground.”