About

What is the Alpha course?

Alpha is a non-pressurised, fun and informative course. It is a place to share your thoughts and explore the meaning of life. The course is designed primarily for people who don't go to church or who haven't been to church in a long time and are interested in the Christian faith. 

How Alpha began

The Alpha Course began in the late 1970s at HTB as a means of helping new Christians learn more about the Christian faith.

In 1990, former barrister Nicky Gumbel realised the potential of the Alpha Course to appeal to a wider audience, and adapted the course to make it inclusive for anyone interested in the Christian faith.

The growth of Alpha in the UK and worldwide

The Alpha Course spread during the 1990s, initially in the UK and then internationally, as more and more churches and groups found it a helpful and informal way to discuss questions about the Christian faith.

There are now over 55,000 courses worldwide in 166 countries. Alpha is supported by all the major denominations.

The work of Alpha International

Explore the work of Alpha International further and see the difference Alpha is making to lives in the workplace, prisons, the forces, schools and universities. 

I want to do the Alpha course

Find out more about the Alpha course by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.

Find a course near you, anywhere in the world.

I want to run the Alpha course

Find out more by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.

Find out how to run the Alpha course.

Register or edit your course details.

Visit the Alpha Shop for all the Alpha resources and materials that you need and much more.