AN INTRODUCTION TO FAITH

The Alpha Course

The Salvation Army has many ways of introducing people to the Christian Faith. Amongst them is The Alpha Course, designed and produced by Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, in London. In the year 2000 the local Salvation Army corps in Chatham decided that it would like to adopt this course as an introduction to people with little knowledge of Christianity. Murray and Verna Smith, having recently retired from their positions as Corps Sergeant Major and Songster Leader respectively were asked to set up and run a series of such courses.

Verna & Murray

Murray and Verna led this venture until 2003, when they handed over to Steve and Melanie Scoulding who continued leadership until the end of 2007. Both Steve and Mel came into the Christian Faith through the courses held in those early years and their lives have surely been enriched by the experience.

Steve & Mel

Steve was formerly employed by the Metropolitan Police but both he and Mel   decided to offer their lives for greater service to God as Salvation Army Officers and   entered officer training at the William Booth College during 2009. They were commissioned as officers in July 2011 and appointed to lead The Salvation Army’s work in Jersey (Channel Islands). This is as a result of the life changing experiences they have had. Others have also enjoyed similar experiences and will testify to the effect that knowledge of Jesus Christ has had on their lives. There are facilities available for those coming into faith to extend their interests into other aspects of the life of our church and we welcome them in the name of the Lord.

Recent courses have been led by Paul & Ruth Woodhouse together with Rod Tranah and Major Drew McCombe.

They are generally run twice a year, in the early spring and the autumn. Each lasts about 12 weeks and cleverly explores the Christian Faith in a way which can be easily understood. DVD s are used for the teaching with fellowship and discussion shared by all. There is no charge for the course but a small contribution towards the cost of the meal served at each session is helpful.

The next course, starting on 14 September 2011 will be led by Paul and Wendy Scoulding with the assitance of Rod Tranah (pictured above). Our new COs, Majors Alec and Andrea Still, will also be involved.

L to R: Wendy & Paul, Andrea & Alec

If you would like to know more about The Alpha Course please contact us.

If you would like to register for an Alpha Course please click here