If you loved Alpha then this is the course for you. But you don't need to be an Alpha recruit to engage with this inspiring 9-week study of Philippians. It's the official post-Alpha course, offering the familiar format of meal, speaker or video, and discussion groups, with quality material and excellent application.
Aims
To demonstrate that we have a life worth living in today's climate of despair. The book of Philippians highlights some of the implications of following Christ and the way in which our attitudes and actions should be different, our life renewed. Alpha's relational format facilitates discussion, prayer, ministry to one another, leadership training, and growth in Christian maturity.
Aimed at
New believers, preferably within an established group. However this course would benefit any small group.
Format
Each session (1-2 hours) includes:
- a meal
- video or live speaker (15-20 minutes)
- group discussion
- prayer
The manual provides suggestions for further reading around the material.
Scope
Nine sessions for group meetings. They all focus on character, and topics include relationships, attitudes, responsibilities, resources, and ambitions.
Commitment
Allow time (½ hour) to read and reflect on the appopriate scripture before each meeting. Weekly 2-hour meetings spread over nine weeks.
Leadership
Leaders need to prepare thoroughly for each evening by listening to the video/cassette, reading the appropriate chapter in Philippians and the companion course book, reviewing the suggested questions and perhaps adding some additional ones. They should be able to lead small groups gently, offering encouragement, honesty and respect, with good listening skills.
If the videos are not being used, a speaker will need to prepare and present each talk (using the comprehensive material in the leader’s guide).
Teaching/Learning Style
Participants listen to a talk given either by a speaker or on a video. This includes storytelling and testimony. An important part of the course is the relationships that are formed over a meal, through discussions and sharing of experiences.
Growth Opportunities
Individuals are invited to take a serious and practical look at some major attitude and character issues, (eg. being a friend, taking responsibility, Godly ambitions) and then make some appropriate changes to their thinking and behaviour. Alpha values are encouraged, especially the formation of healthy small groups that producing friendships and mutual care.
Strengths
- Familiar format, tried and tested.
- Excellent illustrations and application.
- High quality resources, flexible speaker/video option.
- Encourages questions and discussion.
- Good introduction to Bible study.
- Includes prayer/ministry time for members of the group.
- Very challenging questions and suggestions for action and application.
Weaknesses
- Very word-based, book based.
User Comments
"If not used as an Alpha follow-up, this works as a great Bible study on Philippians."
"We found this provided a good opportunity to grow leaders, especially by giving people the talks to prepare and deliver."
"The important things are the relationships and accountability within the groups – the Alpha values."
Practical Information
UK product published in 1996. It can be bought via the Alpha Publications Hotline or on the website.
Set of talks on 2 videos cost £50.00, audio tapes for any missed meetings cost £25.00, a guest manual £2.00, and leader’s manual £2.00. An accompanying book ‘A Life Worth Living’ by Nicky Gumbel costs £5.99.
Alpha UK
Holy Trinity Brompton, Brompton Road, London SW7 1JA
Tel: 0845 6447544 Alpha Office
OR tel: 0845 758 1278 Alpha Publications Hotline
Fax: 020 7584 8536
Email: publications@alpha.org OR info@alphacourse.org
Web: alphacourse.org