What is Alpha?

A place to explore

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the big questions of life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. We intentionally create a relaxed and low-pressured atmosphere so no question is ‘off the table’ and everyone is welcome. Alpha has been running all over the world for the last couple of decades in churches, pubs, prisons & homes where nearly 30 million people have taken part and loved the experience.

Origins and Evolution

Founded in 1977 at Holy Trinity Brompton in London, Alpha was originally created with a focus on exploring the Christian faith. In 1990, Nicky Gumbel reshaped Alpha into a course specifically designed for those outside the church, offering an open space to discuss faith through a series of talks and group discussions.

How it’s going

Today, Alpha operates globally, with millions of participants across more than 100 countries. The course is available in over 100 languages, allowing people worldwide to explore the Christian faith in their own communities.

A Personal Journey for Everyone

A Life-Changing Experience

One of the most remarkable things about the Alpha course is that no two experiences are the same. Each person embarks on a unique journey, discovering new perspectives, building deeper connections, and reflecting on life’s big questions in their own way. Whether you’re seeking answers, community, or simply curious, Alpha meets you where you are, making every individual’s experience truly one of a kind.

Join us

Alpha is a series exploring the basics of the Christian faith. Run over eight weeks, each session starts with cheese and wine, then there is a talk around a different question about faith, followed by conversation in small groups where you can share thoughts and ideas on the session's topic. It is totally free, and is run all over the globe, everyone is welcome.