While the Alpha Course is not completely new to the island, Rev. Nick Dill, pastor at St. John's Church, has recently rekindled interest in the internationally-known Christian discipleship course by relaunching it at his Pembroke parish church.

"It's something I'm very familiar with from my last church," Rev. Dill said of the decision to reintroduce Alpha at St. John's. "The church had done it seven or eight times before, but not for a few years."

They recently held their first running of the British programme in over several years.

While he did not want to make many changes, especially as he was new, Rev. Dill was seeking ways to bring the congregation together.

"I wanted to do something that would allow us to work together and reach out in a non-threatening way," he said. "The Alpha Course is just a vehicle for sharing, but it is a wonderful vehicle."

In the past, most people who attended the course were church members, according to Rev. Dill, but this time he wanted to have more of an outward thrust. The course was advertised and church members were encouraged to bring someone with them. In total, there were 74 involved, including teachers and helpers.

"The Alpha Course gives people the opportunity to hear about Christianity in a non-threatening environment," he says. Classes begin with a casual dinner, and many come simply because of the friendships they make. The course lasts 12 weeks and includes a day or weekend session in the middle. Much of it focuses on Christian lifestyle issues.

Alpha now runs in more than 200 countries and specialised courses have been developed for seniors, business people, young people, the military and prisons.

"The Gospel is explained clearly and there is no such thing as a stupid question," Rev. Dill says. "We've seen a couple of people come to faith in Christianity."

For more information contact the church at 292-5308.