Starting on Thursday 9th March, Burnhead Church are running an Alpha Course, a practical look at the Christian faith for believers, non-believers and seekers alike. Alpha is open to all and you are encouraged to bring a friend, a neighbour, a family member or whoever God may lead you to invite.

Please note that each week stands alone and as such should you miss a week or two or even wish to attend at any time throughout the run of the course you can in the knowledge that you can pick up at any stage of the course.

What is Alpha?

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

Who is Alpha For?

Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish.

How Does It Work?

  • First Up There’s Food

Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, or a quick catch up over coffee and cake, food has a way of bringing people together. It’s no different at Alpha. Most sessions start with food, because it’s a great way to build community and get to know each other.

  • Then a Talk

The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Usually around thirty minutes long, they can be given as a live talk or played as a video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?

  • Followed by Discussion

Probably the most important part of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

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 My Greatest Adventure

Bear Grylls

Over the past few years Bear Grylls has become the embodiment of adventure and outdoor survival in the public imagination. A former reservist in the SAS, Bear has climbed Everest, navigated the Northwest Passage and Paramotored over the Himalayas.

As well as being an adventurer, writer and television presenter, Bear is a former guest on Alpha and is sharing his story with the world as part of our global invitation to explore faith.

Whether it’s from the streets of the Philippines or the sidewalks of New York it’s great to be reminded that everyone’s journey is different, and everyone’s story is unique.

Here at Alpha we get the privilege of hearing stories from all around the globe – just a few of which are featured here in this Blog. From Tekila in London, to José Henriquez Gonzalez in Chile there’s no shortage of tales of hope, faith and exploration that we stumble across.

Bear’s is one of millions of different stories of exploration—of asking life’s biggest questions without knowing what will be found. Despite a life characterised by risk, danger and the unknown, it is this exploration that he describes as his ‘greatest adventure’. Watch Bear’s story: