About Alpha for ESOL

sample Alpha for ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) provides an easy way to discuss some of the most asked questions of life and faith. The course is in English but made more accessible in format and vocabulary. The course consists of a meal, a talk on a topic like prayer, or healing, and time to discuss your thoughts with your fellow guests every 10-15 minutes. It's like a stimulating dinner party with new friends.

Topics covered

The course covers the same top 15 frequently asked questions of life and faith as the traditional Alpha course:

Is there more to life than this?
Who is Jesus?
Why did Jesus die?
How can I be sure of my faith?
Why and how do I pray?
Why and how should I read the Bible?
How does God guide us?
Who is the Holy Spirit and what does the Holy Spirit do?
How can I resist evil?
Why and how should we tell others?
Does God heal today?
What about the church?
How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

What can you expect?

sample When you come to Alpha for ESOL, you can expect to find others, like yourself, with questions about life. You will start with sharing some food together and getting to know some other guests. Then there will be 2-5 short and simple live talks, with each individual short talk followed by a group discussion about what you think. You can ask your questions then also.

Express your opinion or just listen and learn from others, it's up to you. The next week will be the same format, but with a different topic. The course will finish off with a great celebration event. There is no cost for the course, but there may be an opportunity to donate to the costs of materials at some sites.

Sound interesting? Find a course near you.

Alpha for ESOL's start

The Alpha Course began to spread in 1990 from one church in London to over 33,000 worldwide today. In over 160 countries and supported by all major Christian denominations.

2006

Kathy Watson began experimenting with an Alpha class designed for guests who do not speak English as a first language. Taking her years of experience with Alpha, and a background and masters degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and started running a new course in Seattle Washington.

2007

A year and a half later, the course began worldwide testing. The course grew to being run in 5 countries and growing globally at a tremendous rate.

2008

Alpha for ESOL is now being offered in over 12 countries to guests of all nationalities and backgrounds. Kathy Watson is now the Global Leader for Alpha for ESOL worldwide.