SEEKERS

| Who is this Jesus? |

The Alpha Course     

The Alpha Course is an invitation to join a small group of people in a 10 week exploration of the Christian faith where no question is to considered too simple or too hostile.  As such, it is an invitation to join in a process of discovery that is not unlike Jesus’ decision to invite twelve human beings to follow him and learn from him in a close knit community. 

Typical Alpha Courses include, dinner and/or dessert, a large group presentation and small group discussion.  Childcare is available.

Alpha is for anyone!

Anyone can come.  Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith is welcome; including seekers, new Christians, those interested in church membership, couples preparing for marriage, or those who want to brush up on the basics.

Learning and laughter.  Join others in a relaxed atmosphere.

Pasta (or other great food).  Each weekly session begins with dinner.

Helping one another.  Dinner is followed by a large-group presentation and small-group discussions.

Ask anything.  Here’s your chance to ask your questions and express your opinions.

The Alpha Course Topics:

Sneak Preview - Christianity: Boring, Untrue, and Irrelevant? 

Week One       Who Is Jesus?

Week Two       Why Did Jesus Die?

Week Three     How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?

Week Four       Why and How Should I Read the Bible?

Week Five       Why and How Do I Pray?

Week Six         How Does God Guide Us?

Retreat             Who is the Holy Spirit?

Week Eight      How Can I Resist Evil?

Week Nine       Why and How Should We Tell Others?

Week Ten        Does God Heal Today?

Testimonies from Alpha Alumni:

      - “I came to the course with a lot of doubts, then I had hope… I hoped that it was true.  But now I know that I believe.”  -- Retired Seeker (70’s)

      - “I was struggling with the basics of the Christian faith… Alpha was an awesome time of fellowship and learning about the Lord through the Bible and his people.”

      - “Before [Alpha], I had shut the door at Jesus, but now I am willing to open the door and see what’s going to happen.  Although I am still not a Christian, I pray to Jesus and God and hope that they will present themselves to me.” – Buddhist College Student who became a Christian two months later(18)

      - “Before Alpha I felt lost and guilty.  I wanted to “be there” but I wasn’t sure where I stood or what I wanted.  Now I feel very excited!  I look forward to going to church and I feel the faith now rather than just watching it.  As a result of Alpha, I feel I have a new passion for my faith.” – Nominal Roman Catholic/Seeker (20’s)

      - “Before Alpha I considered myself a lukewarm Christian.  I now feel a daily close personal relationship with God.” – Elder who had dropped out of Alpha, then returned on another course and gave her life to Christ.

Who Is This Jesus? 

This 8 week discussion class is designed for those who would like to investigate the Christian faith for the first time, or for anyone wishing to explore the basics of the Christian faith.  Anyone is welcome to attend!

 Each session begins with refreshments, and will focus on a chapter of Michael Green’s book Who Is This Jesus?, using a study guide and a small group discussion format.

Participants are asked to read one chapter of the book per week and complete the study questions before each session.

The class is a safe place to ask absolutely anything and assumes no knowledge of the Bible or the Christian faith.

Discussion Leader: Pastor Steven Craig

Chapters & Topics…

1 – Who Is This Jesus?

2 – What Was He Like?

3 – Where Did It All Start?                                                

4 – What Did He Teach?

5 – What Did He Do?                                                                         

6 – What Did He Claim?

7 – Why Did He Die?

8 – Was Death the End?

9 – Can We Meet Him?

10 – What About the Church?             

11 – What Is the Secular Evidence?

12 – Can We Trust the Gospels?

About the author of Who Is This Jesus?

Michael Green, formerly Principal of St. John’s College, Nottingham, and for many years rector of St. Aldate’s, Oxford, is currently Professor of Evangelism at Regent College, Vancouver.  He is the author of more than twenty books.  Green received M.A. degrees from Oxford University and Cambridge University.  He resides in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada.

From Chapter One…

 “The character of Jesus is immensely attractive.  It embodies all that we ourselves would, in our best moment like to be.  The teachings of Jesus are without doubt the greatest that have ever been offered to humankind.  The death of Jesus is certainly the most famous in the history of the world.  And the claims of Jesus are so startling that they stop us in our tracks and challenge us to make up our minds about this most remarkable person.  Was He just a great teacher?  Or was He much more?”   -- Michael Green

Reviews of Who Is This Jesus?

“In a post-Christian society, this simple and well-written book portrays for the inquiring mind what is ‘mere Christianity.’” – Charles Colson

“Who is this Jesus is a clear, intelligent, and highly readable volume.” – Billy Graham

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