ALPHA

Over 11 million people worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations, and at universities, in prisons and on military bases across the world.

At an Alpha course people explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a weekend away. It is low-key, friendly and fun – and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.

Plan to join us for The Alpha Course at The Austin Vineyard starting September 2nd

Who Is Alpha For?
Everyone is welcome! People attend from many different backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. They attend for a 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 all their life, but feel they never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Alpha is the course for everyone who thinks there may be more to life than meets the eye.

What Happens at Alpha?
The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues related to the Christian faith. Alpha courses typical format is below:
· 6:30-7:30 - Meal
· 7:30-8:15 - Talk
· 8:15-9:15 – Dessert, Coffee and small group discussion

Sample Schedule - 
(The course curriculum is the book ‘Questions of Life’ by Nicky Gumbel. Each talk reflects one of the chapters from this book. )

Introduction Dinner: Is there more to life than this?
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 & how should we tell others?
Week 9: Does God heal today?
Week 10: What about the Church?

Holy Spirit Weekend:
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?

Please note: There is no obligation to attend all ten sessions.

How Much Will it Cost?
The Alpha course is free. Although, a small contribution will be requested for the meals, and for the weekend away. 

What Course Attendees say...

Mark: "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."

Graham: "The first evening surprised me completely. The people were from all walks of life, from different races, classes and abilities. During the first evening, there were no prayers or heavy preaching. We were just given the opportunity to listen to the talk and then discuss anything we wanted. I chose to ask some challenging and confrontational questions, but they were welcomed, and I was made to feel valued and appreciated. I enjoyed the evening so much that I couldn't wait to go back the following week..."

Maria: “Before I had always thought you had to do good to be a Christian, and I knew I was not good enough…But the people in Alpha…helped smash that idea…no one is better than the next.”

Marta: “9/11 hit and my life changed. While I was fortunate not to lose anyone I loved, my company went out of business, and my fiancé and I broke off our engagement as a result of the tension…I had "issues" with organized religion. Christianity is not the religion I grew up in, and I had hostility to religion to begin with, so I had a lot of questions, but I learned a lot.”

Anthony: "I didn’t expect the warm welcome I received, the interesting discussions or the lack of pressure to speak in the small groups that followed. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected. If I had an issue with something, I had a forum to voice it with no need to apologize."

John: "Over the years, church became more of a social club… I’m still figuring it out. I was nervous the first week but was placed at a table with other young people, many of whom were going through the same stuff I was. But now God is a daily part of my life. The friends from Alpha have become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had." All of these quotes are from past course attendees.