The Alpha Course

Asking questions? Looking for answers?

The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed manner over 8, thought-provoking weekly sessions.

Meet Keith and Colette – our Alpha leaders 

Both of us were brought up in Christian homes, but neither of us could wait to leave church. We only went because we had to. It was not until many years later that we would return.

(Keith) I started going to church again after my first daughter was born. The vicar didn’t pressure me and allowed me to take things at my own pace – that was exactly what I needed. When I was ready, I signed up for an Alpha course. This helped grow my confidence and I ended up helping on subsequent courses.

(Colette) It was at this point that Keith and I met. I started going with him to church but felt intimidated – I didn’t fit in. I had always told people I was a Christian and from time to time I had prayed, but I didn’t really know what it was about.

When we moved to Salisbury we started looking for a church – it seemed to be a good way to meet people. But our move was not as simple as that – Keith was suddenly taken ill. It was a hard time for us, but we heard that a group of Christians from the Vineyard church were praying for us. When Keith was fit and well again, we went to visit this church.

(Keith) The first thing I felt was the love there. And then there was the fact that Colette loved it. For me Vineyard was a place where I could be myself. I didn’t feel judged or intimidated by anyone – no one laughed at me. This was how Christians should be.

(Colette) It was at the Vineyard Church that things began to fall into place. My eyes were opened and things became real to me. It was a gradual thing, I made friends, did an Alpha course, joined a house group – all at my own pace.

We are so grateful for the many people who took time to answer our questions and who didn’t look down on us for asking them. And this is why we are running an Alpha course in Salisbury. We want to create a place where people can do what we did. A place where anyone can come, a place where you don’t have to know anything, a place where no one will be judged and where everyone can be themselves. And here people can start to find out what following Jesus is all about.

If you are reading this and it sounds just like what you need, then you would be most welcome to join us at Alpha. For more details call 01722 340166 or email us

For more details of the Alpha course itself check out http://uk.alpha.org/