ALPHA COURSE @ CHARIS

What is the Alpha Course?
The Alpha course is a 10 weeks step by step introduction to the Christian faith. It provides an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening, thought-provoking, friendly and fun environment. Each week, guests meet at a session where great food is served and an open discussion take place after watching a short video.
Who is it for?
The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who are not churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend. It is also suitable for young believers and churchgoers who feel that they have not receive the fundamentals of the Christian faith or who wish to re-dedicate themselves to the Christian faith.
Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. People find out about the Alpha course in a number of ways – a recommendation from a friend, a poster, flyer, or through the website or an internet search.
Guests attend for a wide variety of reasons – some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples’ beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is.
Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
How does the course works?
During pre-COVID days, the course is based around small groups of 8 to 12 people, hosted by one or two leaders who facilitate and encourage discussion.Courses vary in size, from small group meeting in a home, to larger groups of people in a larger venue. Some sessions are in the weekday evenings and some are on Saturday afternoon. Each session typically lasts 2 hours.
Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The whole course usually lasts for 10 weeks, with a weekend away in the middle.
Each session begins with a meal or refreshments. This is a chance to get to know others in the small group. Then there is a short talk on video, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week.
This is followed by a time of discussion in the small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group.
The emphasis is on exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment. There is no charge for attending the Alpha course. A small collection may be required for the weekend away which is usually held in a resort in Johor, Malaysia.
Alpha 32 Course Schedule
Charis Methodist Church will be running the 32nd of the Alpha course online with the revised course schedule shown below.
Alpha 32 Introductory Session
Date : 8 July 2023 (Saturday)
Time : 11.30am to 2.00pm
Venue : Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant
8 Raffles Ave, #02-21 Esplanade Mall
Singapore 039802
Please write to alpha@charismc.org.sg if you want to find out more.
