Alpha New Zealand

They advertise in Alpha that no question is too hostile, so of course you can imagine some of my questions. The leaders are really patient. There are different people at different stages in their walk with God in the group so it’s a real supportive learning environment. I found I could ask anything and there were lots of different perspectives.

Jesse

The things I gained from the Alpha course were absolutely incredible. I found a relationship with a Father that I had never, never had before in my life. I needed to find that I can have a relationship with my God. My life has taken a 180 degree turn and I am a different person, absolutely different. 

Steve

I found the format of Alpha to be fantastic, after watching a DVD for a bit of Nicky Gumbel we had time to sit around in groups and openly and freely discuss things which was really beneficial because you get different people coming from different areas of life and asking different questions

Chris 

I was quite cynical...but it was brilliant to be able to question openly in a supportive atmosphere'

Jan

If you want a no-holds-barred, open and honest discussion, you can bring all the questions and things that annoy you about anything to do with Christianity or religion to Alpha. You ask it, listen to what has got to be said and then make a decision. If you never ask the questions you'll never get any answers, and if you never give it a go you'll never know whether it was right or wrong, good or bad.'

Scott

I tried to control life myself; I could sort out all my problems myself, I didn't need anyone else's help. When I did have problems I would fill it with something else like women, beer, shopping, money. It got to the point where I was just turning up for work and didn't see anywhere else to go. All this time I said, no, no, I'm all right, I'm fine, I can take control, until I realised I couldn't. Since doing the Alpha course I have more of a positive outlook on life, if I've got a problem I'll sit and pray about it, talk to God about it. I feel so much happier.'

Paul

I do not come from a Christian background, I didn't even know anyone who was a Christian, so when a work colleague invited me to an Alpha supper I had to think about it for several weeks, because part of me was interested in why people go to Church but part of me was very wary.
When I walked in on that first night, I thought the hall was going to be full of people who all had grey hair and looked like they were sucking on half a lemon. I couldn't believe it when I found the hall full of people of all ages and all backgrounds, I remember thinking I don't know why I was so worried about coming.
I found the group discussion about the various Alpha talks each week a really good chance to learn. One of the bits that I personally liked was the fact that I could ask any questions and everyone was interested in them.
When I came on the course I thought they might try and get me on some sort of Religious treadmill, but the Alpha course taught me that I could have a personal relationship with God, and that God was but a prayer away.
I went on the Alpha course with an open mind expecting nothing. I still find it hard to take on board the positive difference it's made to my life, marriage and family. The Alpha course helped to look at myself as I really am, and helped me to love and respect other people, even those I considered not my type. Considering how reluctant I was to go, I actually found myself looking forward to the Alpha course each week.'

Jim