What is the meaning of life?

What happens when you die?

Is forgiveness possible?

What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today?

What is Alpha? The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting, over 10 thought-provoking weekly sessions. Free dinner is provided at the beginning of each session which gives people an opportunity to get to know each other. Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.

Alpha@home.2008

During our time at Banting we “do Alpha” differently and we need your help!
We are looking for people who would be willing to open their homes
in order to host an Alpha Small Group.

Over a period of 11 weeks, starting in the week of September 22 and ending in the week of December 15, you will be part of the Gateway Church Alpha Ministry Team and invite a group of 6-12 guests into your home on one weekday evening per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays). Each evening will take approximately 3 hours of your time. With your guests you will share a meal that you have prepared, watch a video presentation, and discuss the content of the talk.

On Friday night, November 14 and all day Saturday, November 15, we will have an Alpha Weekend Retreat, where all Gateway Church Alpha Small Home Groups will come together to explore the person of the Holy Spirit.

Some questions you may have:

What kind of home are you looking for?

If you attend Gateway Church on a regular basis, have sufficient space to entertain a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 guests, are willing to cook, and can provide a TV and DVD player, then you are just who we are looking for!

Will mine be the only home running Alpha?

During our church relocation the Gateway Church Alpha Ministry will depend on individual homes and your home will be one of up to ten simultaneously hosting an Alpha Small Group each week.

Are there any costs involved?

We ask that you prepare dinner for your guests each week; however, Gateway Church will support your efforts with $4.00 for each meal that you prepare. For example, if you are entertaining 10 guests in your group, you will receive $40 for each evening and a total of $440 for the 11 weeks.

Will I be responsible for purchasing or ordering study material?

Gateway Church will provide you with the Alpha DVD for each evening and will provide you with an Alpha Manual for each participant in your group.

I will be out of town during one of the weeks. Can I postpone one session until a later date?

We ask that you make a commitment for the entire 11 weeks. Since all Small Groups are coming together for the Alpha Weekend Retreat, which is placed at a strategic point within the course, we require that all groups complete the same sessions before that weekend.

Do I have to have taken the Alpha course in order to participate?  

We would be grateful if you could provide the space and prepare the meal for each night. If you have never taken the Alpha Course yourself, or led an Alpha Small Group before, we will provide a trained leader as part of your group to facilitate the session. Naturally, you are invited to participate in your Alpha Small Group as well! In September and during the Alpha Course we will hold several information and training sessions.

How do I apply?

You can fill out an online application here or speak with Susan and Martin Sandig at Gateway Church, between our weekend services, or call 519-434-4617.