how many weeks is the alpha course

by Dr. Elva Bednar I Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago 3 min read

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith. Typically run over eleven weeks, each session looks at a different question that people can have about faith and is designed to create conversation.

Full Answer

What is the Alpha course?

The Alpha Course is ecumenical, and any course that can appeal to the wide range of traditions and denominations, as the Alpha Course does, has to sacrifice many essential Bible truths.

How many people have taken the Alpha course?

In 2018, the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries and over 100 languages, with over 24 million people having taken the course.

What is the difference between the Alpha Course and Scripture?

Scripture teaches that those who receive Christ, those who believe in His name, do so not because of an act of human volition, but because God the Holy Spirit has changed them from within. He has convinced and convicted them of their sins and so changed them that they repent and believe upon Christ. This teaching is absent in the Alpha Course.

What is the parenting course at Alpha?

Unlike the Marriage Course, the parenting courses use a similar format to Alpha: a meal followed by a talk and group discussions. The website says about these courses that while they are "based on Christian principles", they are "designed for all couples with or without a church background".

What is an alpha course?

What is the Alpha for Prisons course?

What is Alpha Film Series?

How many courses were there in 1998?

When was Alpha founded?

Who is the supporter of Alpha?

Who adopted the Marriage Course?

See more

About this website

How long does the Alpha course last?

How long is the Youth Alpha course?

8-10 weeksThe AYFS series is twelve episodes and meant to be done over 8-10 weeks (depending on how many sessions are included on the Alpha Weekend or Alpha Day).

How many episodes are in the Alpha series?

24AlphasNo. of episodes24 (list of episodes)ProductionExecutive producersBruce Miller Ira Steven Behr Zak Penn Gail Berman Lloyd Braun Gene Stein Robert Hewitt WolfeProducersMichael Karnow Nick Copus Julie Siege Kevin Lafferty21 more rows

How much does an Alpha course cost?

Everyone is welcome. How Much Will It Cost? There is no charge for attending the Alpha course. There will be a $3 fee for adult dinners (Kids eat free and free childcare is available during class).

How many episodes of youth alpha are there?

The Alpha Youth Series is a brand new interactive series of thirteen short episodes designed to help engage young people in conversations about faith, life and God. The series features stories from all around the globe, from a wide variety of different contexts and cultures.

What age is Youth Alpha for?

Who can do the Alpha Course? The Alpha course is for anyone and everyone over the age of 18 HOWEVER, we also run Alpha Youth which is an interactive series, providing an opportunity for young people aged 11 - 18 years to personally explore the Christian faith for themselves in a friendly group setting.

Is there a 3rd season of Alphas?

“Syfy has decided not to renew Alphas for a third season,” the network said in a statement. “We've been proud to present this entertaining, high-quality series for two seasons and to work with an incredible ensemble of talented actors, producers and creatives as well as our partners at BermanBraun Television.

Does Alphas end on a cliffhanger?

The TV show "Alphas" was cancelled before a third season could be created. However, the second season ends on a pretty big cliffhanger: The main villain of the series having partially succeeded in enacting his plan, and everyone in the train station (bar Gary) seemingly unconscious.

How long are the alpha videos?

around 30 minutesThe Alpha videos are designed to be engaging and inspire conversation. Usually around 30 minutes long, they explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity. You'll have a chance to watch with others in a live discussion during each video!

Is Nicky Gumbel leaving HTB?

It follows Rev Nicky Gumbel's decision to step down in July 2022. Rev Gumble has led the 4,000 strong congregation since 2005 and has overseen considerable growth in that time. HTB is made up of a large, young, and diverse congregation and hosts eleven services each Sunday across six sites in West London.

Is running Alpha free?

All the resources you need to run an 8-week Alpha on campus are available to download free from Alpha Builder. Alpha is a tool for evangelisation that is being used by thousands of Catholic parishes to introduce people to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

How much does Alpha Online cost?

For $120 a year (or $40 every 3 months), get access to all-inclusive online visits for over 60 medical conditions including cold & flu, rashes, and more. Mental Health Service, Weight Loss and Diabetes are not included.

What's Wrong with the Alpha Course - Lighthouse Trails Research

'ALPHA ASSESSED' Sermon preached by Cecil Andrews of 'Take Heed' Ministries on 15/2/2004 Tonight I want to 'assess' or 'evaluate' what has in recent years become virtually a by-word for introducing people to the Christian faith ' I'm referring of course to THE ALPHA COURSE.

Alpha Exposed | Truth in Reality

Well, to begin with, Alpha is 100% linked with Holy Trinity Brompton - if you check on the internet you will see that their International Head Office is located at the church. Please know that I do not take the following subject matter lightly. I struggled for months over whether I should even explore the perils…

The Falsity of the Alpha Course - A Testimony

Editor: Nicky Gumbel is a master propagandist. He has never apologised or repented of his part in the wicked Toronto Blessing. Nor does he bother to deflect attention from the Alpha Course and to Christ.

Review of the Alpha Course - Is It Biblical? - Bible History

Commentary: First of all, who is this John Wimber that Gumbel says we should be listening to? John Wimber was one of the leaders who first began a charismatic movement called the Vineyard Movement. He believed every Christian has the ability to prophesy, speak in tongues, and heal the sick

What is an alpha course?

The Alpha course is an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions. It is described by its organisers as "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life". Alpha courses are run in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and a wide variety of other locations.

What is the Alpha for Prisons course?

Caring for ex-offenders is a follow-up to the Alpha for Prisons course, supporting released prisoners by providing them with material assistance including accommodation, work, food, and pastoral support through church life. It operates in Britain, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

What is Alpha Film Series?

In April 2016, Alpha introduced the Alpha Film Series, where traditional Alpha content is shown in a series of films, featuring stories and interviews. This series is mainly presented by Nicky Gumbel, Toby Flint (a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton) and Gemma Hunt.

How many courses were there in 1998?

A peak was reached in 1998, when 10,500 courses were run. By 2001 this had fallen to 7,300. In 2018, the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries and over 100 languages, with over 24 million people having taken the course.

When was Alpha founded?

Alpha was started in 1977 by Charles Marnham, a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), a parish of the Church of England in London. It started as a course for church members regarding the basics of beliefs commonly held by many believers in Christ but then began to be used as an introduction for those interested in the faith.

Who is the supporter of Alpha?

Its supporters include many Catholic cardinals, Anglican archbishops and bishops, and leading figures of all denominations. Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey described the courses as "superb." Rowan Williams was an enthusiastic supporter when he was Bishop of Monmouth and Archbishop of Wales and continued his support as Archbishop of Canterbury, opening an Alpha conference and accepting an invitation to speak at an Alpha supper in London in 2004. He describes it as "a very special tool" and "a unique mixture of Christian content and Christian style". Father Raniero Cantalamessa, a monk of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and Preacher to the Papal Household for Pope Benedict XVI wrote a document praising Alpha in June 2005.

Who adopted the Marriage Course?

The Marriage Course was adopted by the British Army and an additional session on enforced separation (e.g. as a result of operational deployment) was added by a military couple working in co-operation with Relationship Central.

What is the Alpha Course?

The Alpha Course is ecumenical, and any course that can appeal to the wide range of traditions and denominations, as the Alpha Course does, has to sacrifice many essential Bible truths. A wide tent that is inclusive of those who hold teachings contrary to the tenets of the faith for which we are to contend ...

Where was Alpha Course started?

We must be discerning in evaluating the qualifications of the person or people teaching the course. The Alpha Course was started in the United Kingdom, at Holy Trinity Brompton Church, by Nicky Gumbel and Sandy Millar in 1977.

How has the Alpha Course helped Christians?

We do recognize, however, that the Alpha Course has been a tremendous help to many Christians. Many people have come to faith in Jesus Christ through the Alpha Course. Many more have been strengthened in their faith and knowledge of God’s Word because of the Alpha Course.

Is the Alpha Course good?

The problem is that the Alpha Course can be very different depending on the church/organization that is using it. In the hands of a solidly evangelical teacher, the Alpha Course can be excellent. In the hands of someone trying to push beliefs and practices that are biblically questionable, the Alpha Course can be used to indoctrinate and mislead.

Ecumenism

That Alpha is designed to be ecumenical is very evident. The author of the course himself tells us, “In one sense it is not so important what denomination we are—Roman Catholic or Protestant; Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican or House Church. What is more important is whether or not we have the Spirit of God.”

Charismatic Bias

Closely connected with its ecumenism is a strong Charismatic emphasis. The key question for the “Weekend Away” is “How can I be filled with the Spirit?” In answer, among other things, directions are given for receiving the gift of “tongues.”

Lack of Biblical Teaching

Perhaps the worst feature of Alpha, though, is that is teaches so very little. This is the reason, we suppose, that the Roman bishop mentioned above could say that he found nothing in it contrary to Catholic doctrine. Many key doctrines of the faith are passed over completely or touched on only very lightly.

False Teaching

What the course does teach is more often than not misleading or downright error. Though the Trinity is mentioned, far more time and teaching is devoted to the Holy Spirit than to God the Father or even to Christ, in spite of what Christ says in John 16:13-14.

Ordering Pamphlets

All pamphlets are available as printed pamphlets. Please contact us for ordering options.

What is the Alpha Course?

The Alpha Course is an effective form of evangelism when done by and through the local church. By focussing on the essentials of the Christian faith, it opens the door for Alpha to be used in almost any context so that everyone has the opportunity to see their friends’ lives transformed by the gospel.

Where did Alpha start?

Alpha began at a church called Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London in 1977, it was taken by Nicky Gumbel in 1990 and repositioned as a course for those outside the church. The number of people attending Alpha at HTB grew quickly into the hundreds and attracted the attention of other churches across denominations seeking to find an effective tool ...

What is the Alpha Talks series?

The Alpha Talks have been repackaged for today’s audience in the Alpha Film Series and the Alpha Youth Series was created to reach a younger generation with the Gospel. Even as times have changed, the Alpha course has continued to be used by the church as an effective tool to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When was Alpha filmed?

As interest grew Alpha conferences were organized internationally and the original Alpha Film Series was filmed in 1994 to make it accessible to the widest possible audience. Now all over the world millions of people have tried Alpha and it has been translated into 112 different languages.

What is the Alpha Course?

One of the fastest growing evangelization programs in Evangelical and Charismatic Protestant circles these days is the "Alpha Course," developed over 20 years ago at a charismatic Anglican parish in London, Holy Trinity Brompton, and currently directed by Nicky Gumbel. It has been promoted to Catholics in the United States for six years by ChristLife Catholic Evangelization Services in Baltimore, which claims that "hundreds of Catholic parishes" are now using it. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and content of the "Alpha Course", and to evaluate whether "Alpha", either in its original form or in the "Alpha for Catholics" model, should be recommended to Catholic parishes looking for evangelization tools.

What is the evaluation of alpha?

An evaluation of Alpha materials reveals that Alpha does not offer simply "basic Christian truths" common to all, but presents specific teachings on the Church, the Sacraments, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that constitute the theology of the Charismatic Protestantism which gave birth to Alpha.

Where did Alpha come from?

As mentioned out the outset, Alpha was developed by a parish of the Church of England, Holy Trinity Brompton in London. From Anglicanism, it has spread to other Christian groups. Yet one of the first detailed criticisms of the course came from an Anglican source—an M.A. dissertation written by Rev. Mark Ireland, Diocesan Missioner for the Diocese of Lichfield, in the year 2000. Ireland questioned the 426 parishes in the diocese about the evangelization programs they were using, and then his Bishop followed up with a letter to the parishes which used Alpha, asking if they had any concerns. "The main theological areas of concern centred on lack of teaching on the sacraments, social ethics and the resurrection, and the perceived over-emphasis on tongues, physical healing and substitutionary atonement." These issues were then raised in a meeting between Ireland and the Area Bishop of Shrewsbury with Sandy Millar and Nicky Gumbel at Holy Trinity Brompton. 18

What is the thrust of Alpha?

The basic thrust of Alpha is to communicate the essentials of the Christian faith, with its understanding of God the Father, of Jesus Christ—his incarnation, death and resurrection—and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the historic faith expressed in the ancient creeds.

Is Ireland negative on Alpha?

Ireland is not wholly negative on either Alpha in particular or "process evangelism" courses in general. Over 61% of the parishes in his diocese use some form of such a course, resulting in "1,377 people having come to Christian faith, commitment or confirmation.".

Who are the hosts of Alpha Film Series?

It was filmed all around the world, and features interviews with world-famous leaders and inspiring stories. Two new hosts, Toby Flint and Gemma Hunt, join Nicky Gumbel to unpack the basics of the Christian faith in an updated and engaging way.

Who are the presenters of Alpha?

We're pleased to introduce two new presenters, Toby Flint and Gemma Hunt. Toby is a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton church in London and Gemma is a BAFTA award-winning TV presenter. Together with Nicky Gumbel, the pioneer of Alpha, they take the audience on an epic journey exploring the Christian faith.

Where did the Alpha start?

Since London is known to be the headquarters of the occult, it is not surprising that the Alpha originated there. In1970 an English cleric, Charles Marnham, devised a four- week series of lessons for non-churchgoers and new Christians. In 1981 a former barrister of Holy Trinity Brompton extended the course to 8 weeks.

What are the dangers of the Alpha Course?

Dangers are that the main message of the gospel is glossed over to make it have basically little or no effect.

Is Alpha a good course?

Indeed, as several people have commented, the Alpha course serves more as an introduction, and not an exhaustive Theological course. It may not be perfect, yes; but it is to a good extent suitable for its intended audience, and it has helped thousands of people come to the Christian faith.

How many people completed the Alpha course in 1997?

Over 500,000 people completed the course by 1997. No doubt many more by now. The course is being run in countries as diverse as Namibia and Finland. Both the Alpha internet site and Alpha news contain many commendations from diverse theological positions. The Archbishop of Canterbury says "It is superb.

What does Chris Hand's book "Falling short the Alpha course examined" mean?

Chris Hand in his book 'Falling short, The Alpha course examined' reminds us of the Athenian attitude to God when Paul preached to them in Acts 17; “The Athenians were crucially ignorant of God just as we are today. They did not know how high and lofty he was.

What does Alpha pander to?

Sadly it seems that Alpha panders to our society's desire for the instant and has lost sight of the need for believers to 'turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his son from heaven whom he raised from the dead - Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath' (1 Thess 1:9-10).

Does Alpha end up limiting the Spirit?

Ironically Alpha ends up limiting the Spirit, the very thing which it accuses others of doing when it claims 'For a long time in the church the person and work of the Holy Spirit has been ignored, misunderstood and resisted'. (Telling Others, The Alpha Initiative, Nicky Gumbel (Kingsway 1994) page 12.)

Does Alpha define sin?

For all it’s biblical use of words, Alpha fails to define sin biblically. It does so by concentrating on the consequences of sin rather than on what sin actually is. To define the root cause of sin as ‘broken relationship’ does not identify why the relationship is broken or who has done the breaking.

Is the cross the center of the Alpha?

The emphasis of Alpha hardly mirrors the emphasis of Scripture. Given that the cross is clearly not the centre of Alpha, something else must have taken its place. The talks that do come in the middle and that occupy the largest part of the time spent on the course, concern the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Is sin according to Alpha a problem?

Christ in Alpha, comes forward to deal with too small a problem”. Ultimately then, sin according to Alpha is more of a problem for us than it is for God.

What is an alpha course?

What is the Alpha for Prisons course?

What is Alpha Film Series?

How many courses were there in 1998?

When was Alpha founded?

Who is the supporter of Alpha?

Who adopted the Marriage Course?

Overview

Structure

Alpha is organised as a series of sessions over 10 weeks, including a day or weekend away. Each session starts with a meal, followed by a talk and then discussion in small groups. The talks aim to cover the basic beliefs of the Christian faith.
In April 2016, Alpha introduced the Alpha Film Series, where traditional Alpha content is shown in a series of films, featuring stories and interviews. This series is mainly presented by Nicky Gumb…

History

Alpha originated in 1977 with the work of Charles Marnham, a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), a parish of the Church of England in London. It started as a course for church members regarding the basics of beliefs commonly held by many believers in Christ, but then began to be used as an introduction for those interested in the faith. John Irvine, Marnham's successor curate at HTB, took over the running of the course in 1981 and developed the 10-week format which co…

Doctrine

Alpha's teachings are intended to centre upon aspects of Christian faith on which all denominations are in general agreement. Nicky Gumbel says (quoting the current Apostolic Preacher Raniero Cantalamessa), "What unites us is infinitely greater than what divides us."
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox distinctives, such as those concerning the Virgin Mary and certain sacramental teachings are absent, as are Baptist teachings on baptism. Instead, individua…

Influenced by

Possibly Alpha's greatest influence came from the ministry of John Wimber, who visited Holy Trinity Brompton a number of times during the 1980s and 1990s. Nicky Gumbel's approach can also be linked to the ministry of E. J. H. Nash, an influential Anglican cleric who set out to evangelise "top boys at top schools" and who organised summer camps at Iwerne Minster in Dorset. David Fletcher, who took responsibility for the camps after Nash, described Alpha as: "ba…

Usage

Although originating from the evangelical Anglican tradition, Alpha is now used in various denominations around the world. Its supporters include many Catholic cardinals, Anglican archbishops and bishops, and leading figures of all denominations. Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey described the courses as "superb." Rowan Williams was an enthusiastic supporter when he was Bishop o…

Criticism

Alpha has been criticised for having a charismatic emphasis, with some non-charismatic evangelicals criticising Gumbel's emphasis upon the person and work of the Holy Spirit in particular. As a result, some churches have chosen to teach a different view of the Holy Spirit in the course, although this is discouraged in Gumbel's book How to Run the Alpha Course.
More conservative critics (especially from a Reformed and evangelical perspective) have complai…