The Alpha Course is an opportunity to discuss the BIG questions—life and death and their meaning, for two hours a week over ten weeks at Ardess Parish Centre in Kesh.
Who is behind the Alpha Course?
The course had been created by Alpha International. They’ve developed this course over more than twenty years, from humble beginnings in a central London church. Alpha is endorsed by many well-known personalities including ‘Born Survivor’ Bear Grylls and former Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus.
Is Alpha just a clever marketing tool to get people back into church?
Everyone, whether they admit it or not, thinks about God at some time or other, even if it’s only when they’re in hospital or at a funeral or when they suddenly find they’re out of work and unable to pay the bills and start to question the meaning of life. The Alpha Course simply gives people a chance to ask “Why?” or shout “WHY!?” and get some sort of answer from a Christian viewpoint.
The course consists of a series of talks, looking at topics including ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’. We meet at 8.00pm for supper and each talk is followed by discussion in small groups, finishing at 10.00pm.
Will there be an exam at the end of the Course?
There’s no exam; there’s no pressure to even finish the course or attend every week. But generally most people do complete the ten-week course, because they find the atmosphere relaxed, friendly, totally non-judgmental…plus there’s a free supper each evening! After the food and a chance to chat there is a short talk, which looks at an aspect of the Christian faith. This is followed by a discussion time in small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions or if they wish simply sit and listen.
When does the Course run?
The course kicks off on Thursday 21st Jan in Ardess Parish Centre. There is no charge for attending the Alpha Course and absolutely everyone is welcome to come along, no matter if they have ever been to any church or not.
For further information see The Alpha Course UK
