Alpha
The Next Alpha Course
We run Alpha courses regularly throughout the year based on demand for the course. The next Alpha course will be starting on the evening of Tuesday 4th October. Time and venue to be confirmed closer to the starting date.
The course will run for 8 weeks and will involve dinner followed by a DVD and discussion. Please contact St Philips office or email alpha@stphilips.net.au if you are interested in being part of this course.
What is Alpha ?
Over 13 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 across the world.
Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.
The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren’t churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend. Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints.
Guests attend 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.
About the Alpha Course
Thousands of people around the world are now taking part in Alpha courses – a ten week practical introduction to the Christian faith, designed primarily for non-churchgoers.
The general format for an Alpha course at St Philips involves watching talks on a DVD addressing topics such as Jesus life, his death and resurrection, the Bible, prayer and healing. The talks are then discussed in small groups, hosted by a group leader, in which participants remain for the duration of the course. The talks act as a catalyst for open discussion in an environment where each person should feel free to ask or express whatever they wish.
St Philips runs regular Alpha courses throughout the year. The courses can be tailored to meet the needs of participants. For example:
- in small groups in homes or larger groups in the church hall or another venue such as a cafe / surf club / workplace
- during the evening or daytime over a 10 week period or a more intensive time period
- they can involve lunch or dinner or dessert (provided by the St Philips community), or just a cuppa
The talks each week cover the following 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?
Day or weekend away (to be decided based on group)
- 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?
If you are interested or think a group that you belong to might be interested in Alpha please contact the office or email: alpha@stphilips.net.au
And for further information go to the main Alpha Website
