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Alpha Class
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The Alpha class is a twelve week study that is a practical introduction to the Christian faith. No prior knowledge of the Bible is required, so it’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to brush up on the basics or learn about Christianity for the first time in an environment where any question may be asked; and it doesn’t matter what your current level of knowledge or belief system may be. Ask a friend, family member, and neighbor or associate to join you. Watch our calendar for the start of a new Alpha group.
Alpha is for:
- Adults of all ages, seekers wanting to know about Christianity, new Christians, new Church members, and those who just want a little refresher course on the basics of their faith - anybody who is interested in finding out more about the Christian faith and experiencing spiritual growth.
- Learning and laughter. It is possible to learn about the Christian faith and have fun.
- People meeting together. An opportunity to get to know others and to make new friends.
- Helping one another. Small groups give you a chance to discuss issues raised during talks.
- Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no questions is too simple or too hostile.
- There is no charge for taking the course, but we do ask for a donation to cover the costs of food, and there may be costs involved in occasional alpha retreats.
- Child care is available during all Alpha sessions.
A Typical ALPHA Session:
- The Gathering: Class participants gather for a light meal or dessert, announcements and fellowship at the beginning of each session. This provides everyone an opportunity to get to know one another and also to build the community that is studying and praying together. The experience of spending 12 weeks with the same spiritual seekers can build a bond that will last well beyond the study. Many participants may even form small groups to carry on their spiritual growth in a supportive community of friends.
The Session Topic: At each session a new topic relating to the Christian faith is introduced, for study and discussion, by the Alpha video facilitator who is a well trained member of the International Alpha team - this is truly a world wide study.
- The general topics are:
- Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?
- Who is Jesus?
- Why did Jesus die?
- How can I be sure of my faith?
- Why and how should I read the Bible?
- Why and how should I pray?
- How does God guide us?
- 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?
- The Small Groups: After the video presentation of the topic, all participants divide into small groups to discuss the topic and share their questions as well as opinions with one another. There are no silly questions and everyone is encouraged to ask what is on his or her mind, because it is only through asking that answers can be found. The keys to effective study are listen, learn, discuss and discover.
- The Dismissal: Whenever the small group finishes, members are free to dismiss themselves. There is no re-gathering of the entire session. Some participants might find it useful, at the first meeting of the small group, to exchange email addresses or phone numbers if they want to keep the dialog going between meetings.
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