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 After 2024 set the record with 2.1 million participants, 2025 surpassed it again with an estimated 2.8 million people across 158 countries — a 31% increase — and over 105,000 courses run by churches and ministries globally.^4 The Alpha Youth Series accounted for 45% of all courses worldwide, with more than 47,000 courses for young people and expanded availability in 31 subtitled and 10 dubbed languages.^4 In the United States alone, 661,000+ people participated in 2025, a 28% year-over-year increase.^5
Miles Toulmin 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.^4 Alpha also produces The Marriage Course, The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (a daily Bible reading app used by millions), and the new "30 Days" multimedia resource launched in October 2025 — a month-long journey through Scripture from creation to the cross, available in video, audio, and written formats on YouTube and the YouVersion Bible App.^4 A brand-new Alpha Series is now in production with Nicky Gumbel and Stephen Foster (Rector of St. Aldates Church, Oxford), planned for launch at the Leadership Conference in May 2027.^4 Alpha's annual Leadership Conference gathers thousands of leaders at the Royal Albert Hall in London; LC26 was held May 4-5, 2026, and LC27 is scheduled for May 3-4, 2027.^7 A companion mobile app lets guests rewatch sessions, access bonus content, and journal their reflections throughout the course.^8
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.^9
"I think Alpha is a taste of heaven on Earth."^5
"What began with coffee and conversation has become a movement of salvation and discipleship." — Lewis Muhirwa, who hosted Alpha at his university in Rwanda^4
Notable- 2025 was Alpha's biggest year ever: 2.8 million+ participants, 105,000+ courses, 158 countries, 31% increase on 2024^4
- Alpha Youth Series: 47,000+ courses for young people, 45% of all Alpha courses globally^4
- New Alpha Series in production, launching at LC27 (May 2027)^4
- "30 Days" Bible resource launched Oct 2025 (video, audio, written on YouTube & YouVersion)^4
- Pursuing a 2033 vision: 100 million people hearing the gospel through Alpha
- Runs across Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Pentecostal churches worldwide^1
- Also produces The Marriage Course and The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel^3
- Alpha USA CEO: John Wentz; Alpha International CEO: Miles Toulmin^4
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web (course runs in-person and online) Pricing: Free (always free for everyone)
