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Alpha Course Manual
Based on "Questions of Life" by Nickey Gumble, Alpha is a 15 session practical introduction to the Christian faith. Talks included in the Alpha Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? Why and how should I read The Bible? Who is the Holy Spirit? How does God guide us? Does God heal today?
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First published January 1, 1995
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About the author
Nicky Gumbel
180 books82 followersNicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel, known as Nicky Gumbel, is an English Anglican priest and author in the evangelical and charismatic traditions. He is known as the developer of the Alpha Course, a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 30, 2012
This is the coursebook for the Alpha course that I attended through my church between September and November.
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a course that introduces people to the fundamentals of the faith of Christianity. It's broken down into fourteen topics concerning the faith, and after a short talk, the members divide into small groups and discuss the issues. It is a way for people who have some tough questions and issues about God, faith, and Jesus to have a safe, non-judgmental forum for this discussion.
I decided to attend since it was free, and since it sounded like a worthwhile opportunity. It definitely was. I have never gotten this opportunity to sit down and talk about fundamentals of the faith like this course allowed. The book is a good adjunct. I finished the course and a few weeks ago, I read through the book again, referencing some of the Bible verses again. Reading the coursebook again cemented some of the concepts and allowed me to take the time to digest and reflect on the information offered in the weekly sessions.
What I really like about this book is the easy to follow outline style. I like that it's organized and it gives support for the points made with Bible verses and historical references.
I don't think God ever intended for faith in him through his Son to be complicated. He wanted each person to have the opportunity to know him, and that's the model that the writer of this book, Nicky Gumbel follows. Also the essence of Christ's personality, to speak the truth in love, is evident in the layout of this book.
While this isn't a scholarly approach like one would find with something like CS Lewis'
Mere Christianity, it shouldn't be. It's simple and straightforward, well-suited for the course and the group discussion style.
Taking the course was a real blessing, and having the coursebook to go back to, not to mention the notes I took during the talks (because I am a huge nerd), will be very useful and worthwhile in the future.
I am rating this book as I would any coursebook. On that level it's a five star rating. As I alluded to above, it's not written in sentence style, but more in bullet/outlines, but that doesn't detract from its usefulness. I'd recommend taking an Alpha course if you get the opportunity. You don't have to be a believer in Jesus to benefit from it. It's a good place to go even if you have questions about the faith and the idea of God in general.
http://www.alphausa.org/Groups/100006...
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a course that introduces people to the fundamentals of the faith of Christianity. It's broken down into fourteen topics concerning the faith, and after a short talk, the members divide into small groups and discuss the issues. It is a way for people who have some tough questions and issues about God, faith, and Jesus to have a safe, non-judgmental forum for this discussion.
I decided to attend since it was free, and since it sounded like a worthwhile opportunity. It definitely was. I have never gotten this opportunity to sit down and talk about fundamentals of the faith like this course allowed. The book is a good adjunct. I finished the course and a few weeks ago, I read through the book again, referencing some of the Bible verses again. Reading the coursebook again cemented some of the concepts and allowed me to take the time to digest and reflect on the information offered in the weekly sessions.
What I really like about this book is the easy to follow outline style. I like that it's organized and it gives support for the points made with Bible verses and historical references.
I don't think God ever intended for faith in him through his Son to be complicated. He wanted each person to have the opportunity to know him, and that's the model that the writer of this book, Nicky Gumbel follows. Also the essence of Christ's personality, to speak the truth in love, is evident in the layout of this book.
While this isn't a scholarly approach like one would find with something like CS Lewis'
Mere Christianity, it shouldn't be. It's simple and straightforward, well-suited for the course and the group discussion style.
Taking the course was a real blessing, and having the coursebook to go back to, not to mention the notes I took during the talks (because I am a huge nerd), will be very useful and worthwhile in the future.
I am rating this book as I would any coursebook. On that level it's a five star rating. As I alluded to above, it's not written in sentence style, but more in bullet/outlines, but that doesn't detract from its usefulness. I'd recommend taking an Alpha course if you get the opportunity. You don't have to be a believer in Jesus to benefit from it. It's a good place to go even if you have questions about the faith and the idea of God in general.
http://www.alphausa.org/Groups/100006...
September 20, 2018
I blame David Housholder and Derek Rust for this intrusion into my cozy life. So, challenged to stay on track with my faith walk, I was hornswoggled (okay, inspired) into not only taking this course, but eventually facilitating it once a year. My husband & I have really been blessed by the ALPHA exploration of the Meaning of Life. Each small group/round table we've hosted has brought new friends into our life who've gone on to participate with us in a large group ministry at our church. A motorcycle gang. Yep, I'm a biker babe. We never managed to get Dave or Derek to join the gang; they've yet to be "inspired" to do so.
August 14, 2015
The Alpha course is a fabulous program!
October 18, 2017
This was such a good program. Wish more people would use it again.
November 6, 2019
Excellent guide to getting back to my faith.
October 13, 2025
Participated in the Alpha Course at least one in Spring 2002. Might have done it a second time?
Took the course at St. Andrew's Episcopal in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant.
Took the course at St. Andrew's Episcopal in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant.
August 31, 2008
I've been a part of the Alpha Program 3 or 4 times in our church. I's a great program for those wanting to find out about Christianity or for those who are drawn to evangelism (me).
August 27, 2012
من أروع كورسات التلمذة ولخدمة البعيدين عن الكنيسة، او من أصبحوا في روتين الحضور الكنسي
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews