Alpha

Real Questions, Real People
Alpha is a 10 week, practical introduction to the Christian faith. It is designed for those who want to explore Christianity in an open-minded setting, find answers to the big questions of life or simply re-engage with their faith on a deeper level.

Alpha is About

Building friendships with people
Interesting conversations around a great meal
Finding a place where you can ask perplexing questions
Sharing experiences and opinions that lead to greater understanding

Alpha is open to all people of all ages and backgrounds. The format is dinner, a short message and discussion. Childcare is provided. There is no charge for the Alpha course – donations for meals and materials are accepted.

FAQ
1. I consider myself a skeptic or a seeker at best. Is Alpha right for me?
We invite all people to come to Alpha regardless of your background or world-view. There is no question considered too simple or hostile. At Alpha different opinions add to the experience and lead to greater understanding.

2. I come from a different church background. Should I attend Alpha?
Alpha is supported by all the major denominations and is open to people from any church background.

3. I have questions about faith, but consider my faith a private matter. Will I be put on the spot at Alpha?
The atmosphere for Alpha is low-key and non-threatening. We let you enter into the discussion at a place and level you in which you are comfortable.

4. I don’t consider myself a seeker, but would like to deepen my understanding of God. Should I attend Alpha?
Alpha is great for people who want to re-engage with the basic issues of Christianity. If you have already come to some conclusions about your faith you are invited to come and share in the discussion. All we ask is that you respect the opinions of others who may not share the same conclusions.

5. Where did the name Alpha come from?
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and also a symbol for a beginning. The course originated in an Anglican church in London in the 1980’s. Since that time over 8 million people have attended an Alpha Course worldwide.

How to Join
To sign up for Alpha, you can register online by clicking here and filling out the form. You can also register on Sunday mornings at the Info table in the Theater Lobby, or at the door during the first four weeks of Alpha. If you want to join after the 4th week of Alpha we recommend waiting until the next course begins. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Gregg Chastain.

How to Serve
Host an Alpha Table – If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a good meal and conversation with others, you could be an ideal Table Host. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar, just someone who is willing to listen and develop friendships with others.

Table Helper – A table helper supports the Alpha Table Host by praying and caring for people, practicing hospitality and developing friendships with Alpha guests. This role is a great first step into Alpha.

Join the Alpha Support Team – We need a growing community of volunteers who will help make Alpha a warm and welcoming place for our guests. This include: Kitchen support, Alpha evening set-up and take down, and childcare.

Prayer Support – We are looking for people to support an Alpha table in prayer for 10 weeks, be a part of our on-site prayer team or a member of our Alpha Prayer Ministry Team.

Financial Support – Help us help others explore their faith by subsidizing the cost of Alpha by sponsoring an individual or table. Additionally, you can help by providing scholarship support for guests for the Alpha Weekend.

Course Dates
Alpha is currently running, and is past the fourth week, which makes jumping into the middle of the course difficult. We will be hosting another Alpha course in the Fall of 2012. Time and location will be announced as we approach that date. Check back then for more info. If you would like to be emailed about the start of the next course, please contact Gregg Chastain.