What is Alpha?

Alpha is a course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God. We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore faith, ask questions, and share their point of view.

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone’s welcome. It runs online, in cafés, churches, universities, homes—you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but generally they have three key things in common: hospitality, a talk and good conversation.

Our current Alpha course concludes in December – the next course starts Tuesday 19th January 2027.

Read below some reflections on a previous Alpha course…

ROSEMARY:

The Alpha course took me on a really worthwhile journey. It encouraged me to think about how much God has been present in my life in difficult times. The course was packed full of interesting information. We could ask questions, discuss difficulties and we made friends. I’d recommend it. 

LINDA:

Alpha is a course to help you understand that God is in all creation. Alpha opens your mind to God’s love, and through accepting him into your life everything has a new purpose. You get a deeper understanding of every aspect of life. 

Taking part in the course has helped me to re-affirm my faith and to be to open about my own shortcomings. It has also given me the courage and strength to accept God into every part of my life, listening to his guiding and talking to him – in silent pray and out loud. 

SIOBHAN:

I was happy, when invited, to share my reflections on the Alpha course. It has proven more difficult than first anticipated as, out of necessity, I omit much of the long journey which preceded Alpha.  

Let’s just say, my upbringing within a faithful community was a fairly ‘stiff experience’, and whilst I did not question my faith, it did not feel overly ‘relatable’ and I struggled with my place within it for many years. Skipping ahead, it would be fair to say that my spiritual development had effectively stalled by the time I joined St Andrew’s. I had reached a brick wall in terms of the relationship I expected I could have with God.  

It would be an understatement to say that my horizons have vastly expanded. Being amongst a faithful, supportive community, invited into conversations, venturing into services and experiencing something familiar and yet very different ignited a desire to learn more and to get involved. I began attending services more regularly and started to participate in other areas of Church life. I wanted to know more, which is why I pounced on the opportunity to join the Alpha course. 

Over these few short months, I feel as if something has been properly ignited. My relationship with Jesus is becoming an inextricable part of my life; secular and spiritual life can be and should be seamlessly woven together. I have drawn great comfort, peace, strength and guidance through attending services and now better understand the power of engaging with others through worship. I cannot thank Bryan and Kirsty enough for their patient and wise tutelage through this experience.  

I am excited at the prospect of the journey ahead. I am eager to develop my understanding, apply and share this with others, and use my gifts to participate more fully in the life of St Andrew’s.