Alpha, For People Like You…

Choosing to take part in the Alpha course has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.  After almost ten years of trying to work out the answers to some major questions of faith, I decided to go along to the course. Had I have known the impact the Alpha course would have on my life, my personal relationships and most importantly my relationship with God, I would certainly have made the decision much earlier. 

Listening to inspirational testimonies from ordinary people, many of whom I had seen on a week by week basis, yet with no idea how their lives had been transformed by events and experiences can only be described as amazing. 

One of the most surprising elements was the range of people attending the course; people from all age groups, backgrounds and at different stages in their faith journey, although it soon became apparent that we all had striking similarities and a shared search for the truth.

The group sessions were designed to reflect and enable us to discuss some key themes explored during the initial meeting.  These were surprisingly informal and provided an opportunity for an open and honest discussion – ideas could be challenged without a sense of pressure or judgement.  The Alpha course really gets to the heart of Christian faith, emphasising the unconditional love of Jesus, something which is sadly and too often overlooked.   I would, without doubt, recommend the Alpha course to anyone who wants to explore the Christian faith and I would urge anyone considering life’s questions to take the opportunity to do so through this course.

The Alpha course is great even for those who are familiar with Christianity, read the bible and attend church on a regular basis.  It’s good to be able to fill in the gaps and to meet new people from different walks of life who may have different perspectives.  It’s also good to be be able to ask questions in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.  Even if you think you know the answers already, whatever they maybe, an Alpha course is good benchmark for whatever point you are at in your journey.

Each of the Alphas I have been on has been different because although the course is basically the same the people are new. Sometimes people return to learn more about Jesus and it is always good to meet up with friends again.  I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their views as we discuss our beliefs and learn more about God in a safe and friendly atmosphere.

There are no wrong questions on an Alpha Course, everything seems to be addressed and it is because of this I believe my faith has grown.

I found this course welcoming, well-organised well-presented – the accompanying booklet was an essential complement.

The discussion sessions were very helpful, with every member encouraged to participate.

While many of my recent doubts have been assuaged problem areas remain : is another Alpha course

the way forward?

Meanwhile, at least, I now understand what it really means to be a Christian and feel that I have a developing relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Singing as a choir boy, attending Sunday School and then graduating to church treasurer gave me a veneer of Christianity without experiencing  the reality of actually becoming a Christian on the inside. Rather like an inoculation which stops you getting the real thing!

Thankfully I discovered and experienced true faith and came alive on the inside, which the Bible calls being born again. The experience transformed my life and I’ve never looked back.

The Alpha Course is a great way of finding true faith and I would really look forward to welcoming you on the course.

I had read about the Alpha Course and often passed by the New Life Church, seeing banners promoting it.

I had no real clue whether I would gain anything from it but felt that it would not hurt to explore what it was all about.

For me it was a regular group meeting of people seeking answers to questions about their beliefs. The mix of people on the course ranged from complete sceptics to returning believers, which could not be better in a group who were seeking answers to some very important questions.

I attended the morning course and found it stimulating and I did gain a far better appreciation of what being a Christian is. I applaud the New Life Church and its team as the Alpha Course was well structured, professional and above all very welcoming and friendly… the coffee and toasted tea cake were a treat too!

I personally found confirmation in my beliefs and would recommend anyone who wants to be part of a group to discover more about Christianity, then it is a good way to get involved as much as you wish to without any pressure.

Fantastic course – pleasantly surprised! This course really allows you to explore, learn and grow completely on your own terms with no obligations or pushy nonsense! Instead whatever your beliefs are, however sceptical you may be, you are made very welcome and are simply encouraged to share your thoughts within the group and learn more about your personal relationship with God. There’s a lot of stigma around the church and religion these days – don’t let social pressure stand in your way – go and enjoy! Its an interesting journey with surprising results!

It takes courage to walk into a room full of people you don’t know, especially if you are suspicious that some of them might be a bit weird, fanatical or wanting something from you; well, trust me, Alpha is not a bit like that. I first went to Alpha in the Autumn of 2014; I met some wonderful people there, loved it and repeated the course in Spring 2015. It really does not matter where you are on your own personal journey, you’ll find something to help you along your way at Alpha.
There really is no pressure, the atmosphere is easy-going, the talks are stimulating, the company is good, the discussions are gentle (you don’t have to join in if you don’t want to by the way), refreshments are included and it’s all completely free! What’s not to like?
Oh, I didn’t mention Jesus did I? Well, evidently, you can meet him too, if you want to. He’s also optional.

The second time an Alpha leaflet came through my door, I knew I couldn’t continue to ignore it. After experiencing two emotional life changing events, I had hit an all-time low and was searching for answers and friendship which is exactly what I found on the Alpha course.

5 years on, I am a changed women. So many of my questions & hurts have been answered & healed by Jesus. I continue to attend New Life Church where I have acquired a whole new family, who continue to help & guide me in my Christian life.

I encourage you to give Alpha a try. You can be sure of a great welcome.

I went on the Alpha course with a friend not knowing what to expect; I was pleasantly surprised, the welcome is always warm and inviting. The Alpha course has helped me explore my existing faith and I’ve met some of the most genuine, kind people, who I’m sure will remain friends for life.

After the death of my husband I had a revelation from God. I attended the Alpha course to find answers to the many questions I had and I was  not disappointed. I made many new friends, who along with the Alpha teaching have enabled me to come to terms with my loss and to see that God has plans and purposes for my life. I am now able to see that life is still worth living and that God has good things in store for me.

I first joined an Alpha course 5 years ago when circumstances in my life prompted me to ask fundamental questions about life and the world we live in. I was struggling to find answers – even science, a field in which I had worked for 30 years, failed to give answers which satisfied me. On Alpha I found answers to these questions and so much more; meaningful relationships with others, and most importantly with Jesus Christ, a relationship which I didn’t realise it was possible to have despite having a church background. I still attend Alpha as a helper and enjoy every part of it; people, food and discussion: it would be great to meet you.

We had not been living in Congleton i very long when we got a leaflet through the door about the Alpha course.

Rob: I was interested in finding what it was all about.

Jennie: I have always been curious as my best friend has been a Christian for a long time and I have always admired her attitude and how lovely she was to be around. It’s the best thing we have ever done and has answered lots of questions.

I went along with my friend Jayne to the recent Alpha course at New Life Church. I didn’t really know what to expect and I was maybe a bit sceptical. What a fantastic warm welcome we received, everyone was so friendly, the food was delicious and I instantly knew I had made the right decision to go. The course was very relaxed, there was no pressure and nobody judged. The discussions were very open and everyone’s questions were always answered. I have now finished the course feeling totally inspired and am returning again to introduce another friend to Alpha.

Alpha changed my life. My marriage had broken-down. I was depressed, angry and had lost direction. I joined Alpha and in week 3 “How can we have faith” I made my most important decision I committed my life to Jesus. I still have challenges, but I face each day more confident knowing I have God in my life.

Alpha is not just for people who don’t know about Christianity. I have been a Christian for 25 years and Alpha helped me to rebuild my faith after a difficult time in my life. If your faith has taken some knocks along the way and you don’t know how to find your way back to God, come to Alpha. You will be sure of a warm welcome, a relaxed atmosphere, new friends and an opportunity to re-build your faith on firm foundations.

I became a Christian over 30 years ago. I was fortunate to join a great church, where caring people were able to answer my many questions. There was no Alpha course available, but I think I would have really benefitted from attending one. I recently went along with a friend to support her on the Alpha Course, we found it welcoming and friendly, and we really enjoyed the discussions. I have known many people who have attended the course, and I have seen how their lives have changed for the better.

I moved to Congleton from South Africa with my family in January 2009. Settling into a new town can be difficult, and even more so when you’ve just emigrated, but through New Life Church and its wonderful people we soon settled into life in the UK. I decided to do the course in late 2009, and I am so glad I did! It was a great reminder of why the Christian Faith is such a wonderful choice and experience, and more importantly, who Jesus is and what He has done for me. Alpha helped me to make new friends, settle into a great church, and feel a part of our new home town, and I would highly recommend it to people from all walks of life.

Two years ago we moved to Congleton with work and settled in New Life Church. We had both been involved in several Alpha courses in Cambridge and Loughborough before moving here.

Steve : “Alpha provides a relaxed environment in which to explore what life is all about – I really recommend trying a taster evening to anyone”

Andrew: “I’ve been going to church since I was young and I came to the Alpha course with the fairly arrogant expectation that I would know a lot of the answers already, but I was amazed at how much I learned and how much of the Christian faith I’d either misunderstood, or simply got wrong! I’ve really enjoyed the course and the challenges that it’s brought.”

Emma: “I’ve loved doing the Alpha course, everyone was really welcoming and made me feel at home from the minute I walked through the door. The course content is really interesting and has helped me get to grips with my faith and with the questions I have had. My Wednesday nights just won’t be the same now the course has finished!  I’d encourage everyone to give it a try.”

“I think it is easy to believe you are spiritual by attending Church and praying to Jesus from time to time. However, as with all things in life if you don’t have the basic knowledge it is hard to progress much further. The Alpha course provides you with this basic knowledge and I now feel closer to God as a result. The format of the course works extremely well; everyone is relaxed, and because we’re all at different points in our journey nobody feels pressurised. Trusting and listening to God is the end result, and I could recommend Alpha to everyone, even if you are already a regular Church attendee.”

A Christian friend had tried, without success, to encourage me to go on the Alpha Course for many years. While I was intrigued, the timing had never seemed quite right. A leaflet, such as the one you are reading, came through my door early in 2011 and I knew I was ready to try and see if I could find my own missing piece of the puzzle of life. I learnt a great deal, and laughed a tremendous amount. The former you might expect, but the latter was invaluable too (yes, Christians do have a sense of humour!).

Everyone is really friendly and welcoming with no pressure. I can fully recommend the experience of the Alpha Course. Give it a try – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I wish I’d not waited so long.