Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in an informal, fun and friendly environment. The Alpha course consists of a series of talks, looking at topics including ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’, with the option of a day/weekend away.

Each evening of the course begins with a meal, followed by a short talk on the Christian faith and an opportunity to discuss the talk in a small group. The evening always finishes by 9.30pm and there is no charge.

The course runs for 10 weeks and you are free to come or go as you please. You don’t have to come to the whole course – just pop along for the first session and see what you think. No pressure and no follow up!

Alpha is for everyone; no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. We don’t assume any background knowledge of or belief in Christianity and everyone is welcome.The course is designed primarily for people who don’t go to church or who haven’t been to church in a long time and are interested in the Christian faith.

The Alpha Course began in the late 1970s at Holy Trinity Brompton as a means of helping new Christians learn more about the Christian faith. In 1990, former barrister Nicky Gumbel realised the potential of the Alpha Course to appeal to a wider audience, and adapted the course to make it inclusive for anyone interested in the Christian faith.

The course spread during the 1990s, initially in the UK and then internationally, as more and more churches and groups found it a helpful and informal way to discuss questions about the Christian faith. There are now over 55,000 courses worldwide in 166 countries. Alpha is supported by all the major denominations.