Who is it for?

The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers however each course is open to everyone who would like to attend.
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.

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 but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

Some courses are specifically tailored for a particular setting or group – for example some courses are held in gyms, prisons, offices, residential homes, universities, parent and toddler groups, youth clubs and schools Alpha is available in a variety of ethnic languages and there is a course designed as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

How the course works

The course is based around small groups of about 12 people, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.

Courses vary in size, from one small group meeting in a home, to hundreds of people in a larger venue. Some courses are held over morning coffee or during a lunch hour, most are evening courses, typically lasting 21/2 hours. 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.

The whole course is designed to last for 10 weeks, with a weekend away in the middle.

Each session begins with a meal - 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 courses may ask for a contribution towards the food and the weekend away.

The website of the New Zealand Alpha Office
11 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland 1051   Tel +64 9 522 1360  Fax +64 9 522 1361