Glad you askedWe're happy to help
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your question? Just email or call. We completely understand that you'd like to know what you're signing up for.
Do I have to be a Christian to join?
Absolutely not. Alpha exists precisely for people who want to find out what this Christian faith thing is actually about. Doubt, disbelief and sharp critical questions are welcome. Honestly, they're what make the conversations interesting.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Zero euros. The course is completely free, meal included. And no, there's no collection plate doing the rounds either.
Do I need to attend every evening?
Missing one or two evenings isn't a problem, life happens. But we do hope you'll commit to the course and be there for the rest of the sessions. The evenings build on one another, and the more often you're there, the more you'll get out of the group and out of Alpha.
Is the Alpha Weekend compulsory?
No, but we warmly recommend it. On 27 and 28 November we head to Bergzicht in Ommen together. Many participants look back on that weekend as the best part of the entire course. You'll get all the practical details in good time during the evenings.
Do I have to speak during the conversations?
No. You're very welcome to just listen all evening if you prefer. There are no right or wrong answers and nothing is pushed on you.
What if I disagree with you?
Then we disagree, and you're still welcome. We're open about what we believe ourselves, but you don't have to share it to belong here. Honestly, the conversations where someone pushes back hard are often the best part of the evening.
Can I bring someone along?
Please do! Just sign them up separately via the sign-up form so we know how many people to cater for. The final evening on 17 December is specially designed for bringing along someone who'd like to get a taste of Alpha.
Is the course in English?
Yes, we run a dedicated English-speaking small group. The Alpha films are in English anyway, so they're easy to follow if you don't speak Dutch. After the film you'll join the English-speaking group for the conversation, so you can take part fully. Just mention it on the sign-up form and we'll put you in the right group.
Is there food? And what if I can't eat something?
Yes, every evening starts at 6:00 pm with a meal together. That is exactly why Alpha is such good fun. Got an allergy or dietary requirement? Let us know when you sign up and we'll take care of it.
What time does it finish?
We start at 6:00 pm with the meal and wrap up around 8:30 pm. Feel free to hang around afterwards for a second cup of coffee.
And after Alpha? Do I have to join the church?
No. Alpha is a beginning, not a contract. If you'd like to go on, Alpha Connect starts once the course finishes. You carry on with the same group, less intensively and with more room for your own questions, so you're straight away among people you already know. You're also very welcome to come along to a service at one of the churches in Hardenberg. But nothing is required: you are and remain welcome.
Can I help out?
Please do! There's plenty to do: cooking, welcoming people, joining a small group, tech, or simply making sure it feels warm and friendly. You don't need any experience. Email alphahardenbergteam@gmail.com and we'll find something that suits you.
What happens to my personal details?
Your sign-up reaches the Alpha team via Google Forms. We only use your details to contact you about Alpha and we don't share them with anyone else. Would you like them deleted? One email is enough. The website itself tracks nothing and sets no cookies. The form and the video come from Google and do set cookies once they load, which is why we ask permission first. You can change that choice at the bottom of any page.