Alpha

We run an Alpha course each September. If you’d be interested in joining our next course we’d love to hear from you at admin@arenachurch.co.uk

Who is the Alpha Course for?

The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren’t churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend.
As a course, Alpha attracts a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 churches are currently running the
Alpha course across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.
People find out about the Alpha course in a number of ways – a recommendation from a friend, a poster, flyer, newspaper article or advert, or through the website or an
internet search.

Why attend the Alpha course?

Guests do Alpha 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.

Alpha courses are based around small groups of about 12 people, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion. Whatever the course
size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships.

Alpha Courses Weekly Format

The whole Alpha course lasts for 10 weeks, with a day away in the middle. Each session begins with a meal or refreshments – a chance to get to know others in the small
group. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in the small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group.
The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.

There is no charge for attending the Alpha course, although a contribution towards the food would be appreciated.

The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:
• 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 away
• 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?

The Alpha Course – UK and Worldwide

The Alpha course spread during the 1990s, initially in the UK and then internationally, as more churches and groups found it a helpful way to answer questions about the
Christian faith in an informal setting. There are now over 33,500 courses worldwide in 163 countries and it is supported by all the major denominations

Arena Church Ilkeston will be running an Alpha Course from the 28th September – 7th December every wednesday from 7pm. If you would like to take part on this course please join us on the Launch night at the Arena Ilkeston (28th September 7pm).