Vineyard Church Northwest
Alpha
Registration Now Closed for this Session
Over 13 million people worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations, and at universities, in prisons and on military bases across the world. We run the Alpha course twice a year here at the Vineyard - in the Fall and Spring.
At an Alpha course people explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away. It is low-key, friendly and fun.
Who is Alpha for?
People attend from many different backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church all their life, but feel they never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Our desire is that everyone at the Vineyard attend Alpha. In addition to being a great place to explore questions, it’s a great way to connect with others at the Vineyard.
What Happens at Alpha?
The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues related to the Christian faith.
The typical format is:
- Meal and Welcome - 1hr
- Talk - 45mins
- Small group discussion - 1hr
Week 1: Who is Jesus?
Week 2: Why did Jesus die?
Week 3: How can we have faith?
Week 4: Why and how do I pray?
Week 5: Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6: How does God guide us?
Weekend Getaway: Who is the Holy Spirit? / What does the Holy Spirit do? / How can I be filled with the Spirit?
Week 7: How can I resist evil?
Week 8: Why & how should we tell others?
Week 9: Does God heal today?
Week 10: What about the Church?
Celebration Dinner
-The course curriculum is the book Questions of Life by Nicky Gumbel. Each talk reflects one of the chapters from this book. Please note: There is no obligation to buy the book or attend all the sessions but the value accumulates over a period of time as relationships grow.
How Much Will it Cost?
The Alpha course is free. A small contribution may be requested for the meals, and for the weekend or day away. Supplemental resources and books are available for purchase as desired.
What Course Attendees say...
Mark: "When I first heard about the Alpha course I was at a stage when I was searching for something 'out there'. I really needed to ask questions and not feel like I was getting a hard-sell pitched at me. Now I perceive things differently and just feel so at peace. I have also met a wonderful bunch of new friends on the course."
Graham: "The first evening surprised me completely. The people were from all walks of life, from different races, classes and abilities. During the first evening, there were no prayers or heavy preaching. We were just given the opportunity to listen to the talk and then discuss anything we wanted. I chose to ask some challenging and confrontational questions, but they were welcomed, and I was made to feel valued and appreciated. I enjoyed the evening so much that I couldn't wait to go back the following week..."
John: "The friends from Alpha have become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had."
Anthony: "I didn’t expect the warm welcome I received or the interesting discussions. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected. I had a forum to voice any question with no need to apologize."
Alpha Started on February 7 and runs through April 11
Alpha Celebration Dinner is April 18
Questions about Alpha? Click Here to email
or call the church office at 385-4888.
Vineyard Church NW
9165 Round Top Rd • Cincinnati, OH 45251
T: (513) 385-4888 F: (513) 385-4854
W: www.vcnw.org
E: info@vcnw.org