The Alpha Course
The Alpha Course is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured. Alpha is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and by the regular churchgoer. No matter what their background, whether investigating Christianity for the first time or revisiting their faith, participants get a lot out of an Alpha Course.
What is Alpha? | Common Questions | Informational Dinner | Sign Up
Each week people meet together for a meal and a talk on topics such as “Who is Jesus?”, “Why Did Jesus Die?”, “How Can I be Sure of My Faith?”, and “Does God Still Heal Today?”, followed by small group interaction. There is a day or weekend retreat midway through the course, which focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
There are over 3,000 Alpha courses running in the United States, and about 500,000 Americans have already participated. Most Americans live within easy access of an Alpha course. Churches of every different type and background, including Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Vineyard, Methodist, Pentecostal, Salvation Army, Free Church and House Churches are running Alpha. Because Alpha covers the basics of Christianity, all churches provide the same material, making alterations only to suit the local culture.
Alpha originated at Holy Trinity Brompton – an Anglican church in London, England, over twenty years ago. Thousands of Alpha courses are now running in many countries and it has been translated into many different languages.
Church leaders from all denominations report the astonishing impact the course has on non-churchgoers and existing Christians in their areas. And it’s spreading fast to many locations – prisons, university campuses, businesses and schools.
Common Questions
Who is Alpha for?
Everyone is welcome at the Alpha course and people attend for a wide variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still, others may have attended church on and off all their lives, but who feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. The Alpha course is especially well suited for those wanting to investigate Christianity, new Christians, those who feel that they have never really got going as a Christian, newcomers to church, and those who want to brush-up on the basics.
What will it cost?
There is no charge for the Alpha course, although a small contribution might be requested for the meal each evening and for the food and accommodations during the Alpha weekend.
What is involved?
The evening Alpha course begins with dinner in small groups starting at 6PM, followed by a short talk. After a coffee break, groups will join back together and discuss the talk and share ideas with each other. The evening will wrap up at or before 9PM each night. Additionally, there is an opportunity to go on the Alpha Weekend Getaway; this has been a key part of the Alpha course and a great success in helping people get to know each other.
When and Where?
The Alpha course will run once a week for 10 Wednesday evenings at the Vineyard Church, located at 647 Wardens Run Road, Wheeling, WV. Alpha is running all over the world, so if you are not from the Upper Ohio Valley you can check the national course directory for an Alpha course that is closer.
What is the schedule of topics?
Week 1 Who is Jesus?
Week 2 Why did Jesus Die?
Week 3 How can we have Faith?
Week 4 Why and how do I Pray?
Week 5 Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6 How does God Guide us?
Week 7 How can I Resist Evil?
Week 8 Why and how should I tell Others?
Week 9 Does God Heal Today?
Week 10 What about the Church?
Informational Dinner
Many find the informational dinners a great way to check out Alpha without feeling like they are signing up for the whole course. Whether you are checking out the info dinner or coming on the course we like to say, “Come and check the course out. If it’s not for you don’t come back. We won’t chase you down or pester you. We promise.”
Sign Up
If you would like to come to the next Alpha Course, please complete this form. We will send you a confirmation and a course brochure with directions to the Vineyard Church of Wheeling.
