The Alpha Course : Southampton

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Who is the Alpha Course for?

 

The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend.

As a course, Alpha attracts a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 churches are currently running the Alpha course across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.

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 website or an internet search.

 

Why attend the Alpha course?

 

Guests do Alpha 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.

Some courses are specifically tailored for a particular setting or group - such courses are held in gyms, prisons, offices, residential homes, universities, parent and toddler groups, youth clubs, armed forces bases and schools, and with the deaf, blind and those who speak English as an overseas language (ESOL).

 

How Alpha Courses Work...

 

Alpha courses are based around small groups of about 12 people, 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. Some Alpha courses are held over morning coffee or during a lunch hour, most are evening courses, typically lasting 2 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, continue discussions and deepen friendships.

 

Alpha Courses Weekly Format

 

The whole Alpha 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 food.

Link Button with Ring40Find a course in Southampton (via Alpha UK website)