What is the Alpha Course?
The Alpha Course is a space for anyone curious about faith to explore life’s big questions in an open, friendly environment.
Launched at Abbey Baptist Church in May 2021, our Alpha sessions have been run each summer term. With creative use of technology, we’ve been able to offer Alpha in three languages—English, Cantonese, and Farsi—making it accessible to people from all backgrounds. There is the potential to show the course in any language.
A Journey of Faith and Community
The Alpha Course has allowed us to connect with individuals seeking faith. Many have believed in Jesus, were baptized, and became active members of the church.
Ongoing Impact
The Alpha Course continues to be a significant part of life at Abbey Baptist Church, complementing other ministries such as our ICAF International Café. Follow-up and discipleship remain central to our efforts, ensuring participants not only explore faith but also grow spiritually and deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Since 2022, we’ve adapted Alpha to meet the needs of our community.
In Summer 2022 and 2023, we offered an English afternoon Alpha Course, while in 2024, we successfully integrated a new version of Alpha directed specifically for Chinese. This material, filmed by the Alpha organization in China and Hong Kong, was used as part of our broader outreach to many Hong Kong people who have come to live in Reading, which included a large evangelistic concert in Reading.
In the summer of 2025 we ran two courses complementary to Alpha – a 6 week START course introducing fold to Christianity in a simpler style followed by a 6 week course learning more about who Jesus is.
Our practice is to offer an English conversation class which includes some introduction to faith in the Autumn and Spring terms, followed by more direct courses as above in the summer term.
Our Iranian Asylum seeker friends have particulary enjoyed Alpha in Farsi and have run the course many times in the evenings over an Iranian meal.
Join Us
If you’re curious about life, faith, or simply want to connect with others in a welcoming space, the Alpha Course at Abbey Baptist Church is for you. Come explore faith’s big questions, enjoy meaningful discussions, and build lasting friendships.
New course starting summer term 2026.