Maybe you've got questions about God, faith, or the meaning of life — but you're not sure where to ask them without feeling judged. Alpha is a free course designed for exactly that: a relaxed space where anyone can explore the basics of the Christian faith over food, a short talk, and honest conversation.^1
Each session follows a simple rhythm — share a meal, watch a talk unpacking a big question (like "Who is Jesus?" or "How can I have faith?"), and then discuss it openly in a small group. There's no pressure to believe anything, agree with anything, or even speak up. Alpha runs in churches, homes, cafés, prisons, universities, and online — across every major Christian denomination — in over 175 countries and more than 100 languages. All resources, training, and talks are provided completely free by Alpha International.^2
Alpha began in 1977 at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London and was reimagined in 1990 by Nicky Gumbel, who transformed it from a course for new believers into an invitation for anyone curious about Christianity. Since then, over 37 million people have experienced Alpha worldwide.^3 2024 was the most successful year in Alpha's history: more than two million people participated across 81,000+ courses in 146 countries, supported by over 43,000 churches — the highest annual uptake ever recorded.^4 A key catalyst was the launch of the Alpha Youth Series in November 2024, which drew over 250,000 young people in 53 countries within its first few months. Over a third of all Alpha participants in 2024 were under 25, reflecting a wave of Gen Z interest in faith that observers have called the "Quiet Revival."^4 Africa saw the largest regional growth, with a 47% increase in Alpha attendees.^4
Miles Toulmin now serves as CEO of Alpha International, continuing the vision of giving everything away for free so that every person, everywhere, can hear the gospel in their own language. Alpha also produces The Marriage Course, The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (a daily Bible reading app used by millions), and hosts an annual Leadership Conference featuring speakers from across the global church.^3 A companion mobile app lets guests rewatch sessions, access bonus content, and journal their reflections throughout the course.^6
Why Christians Love It"My mum noticed a banner advertising the Alpha course. She went, week after week, and one night she came home transformed. She had encountered Jesus personally." Kathryn Segal went on to attend Alpha herself at age 15, and within a few years every member of her family — mum, dad, and younger brother — had come to faith through Alpha.^7
"I love the content and the message and how Alpha as a program works. The flow of the program on the app and ease of use is fantastic."^8
"A brilliant accompaniment for the course."^8
Notable- 2024 was Alpha's biggest year ever: 2 million+ participants, 81,000+ courses, 146 countries, 43,000+ churches^4
- Alpha Youth Series launched November 2024; 250,000+ young people in 53 countries in its first months^4
- Over a third of all 2024 participants were under age 25^4
- Africa saw 47% growth in Alpha attendees^4
- Pursuing a 2033 vision: 100 million people hearing the gospel through Alpha^9
- Runs across Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Pentecostal churches worldwide^1
- Also produces The Marriage Course and The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel^3
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web (course runs in-person and online) Pricing: Free (always free for everyone)
