BRUSHING UP ON FAITH CHRISTIANS, NONBELIEVERS LEARN, CONFIRM WITH ALPHA.

Byline: HOLLY J. ANDRES Staff Writer

GRANADA HILLS -- Christians and nonbelievers alike may find the answers to life's questions through ALPHA, a 10-week introduction to Christianity that begins Friday at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.

More than 8 million people have taken the nondenominational course since it was developed in 1977 for members of an Anglican church in London.

``It's set up for nonbelievers, but the course really is helpful to everyone. It's strengthening for people who are Christians already by reviewing what they know,'' said Nancy Hall, an ALPHA facilitator from St. Stephen's Lutheran. ``It renews your faith and enthusiasm.''

St. Stephen's and three other local churches -- First Lutheran of Northridge, First Presbyterian of Newhall and Santa Rosa Roman Catholic Church in San Fernando -- have pooled the experience of their own ALPHA facilitators for the upcoming course.

Each ALPHA session includes a dinner, a 40-minute video presentation and small-group discussions. There is a booklet but no homework, said Hall, unless someone wants to delve into reading the Bible on their own time.

The theme of the first session is ``Who is Jesus?'' Future topics include Christ's death, the Holy Spirit, faith, evil and prayer.

Kim Bond, a member of St. Julie Billiart Roman Catholic Church in Newbury Park, is on the ALPHA team at Santa Rosa. He recalled Sundays when his wife and three sons would be ready for church but he would be dragging his feet.

``Now, I'm dragging everyone else,'' joked Bond. ``It's an awesome course. It's like someone turned on the lights.

``It changed my attitude toward my faith. Instead of just going through the motions at church, it helped me understand why I believe and the importance of religion in my life.''

Joining the Knights of Columbus, becoming active as a volunteer in his parish and listening to religious songs in his car -- something he said never would have happened before taking the course -- are some of the changes in his life.

``I would tell someone to come for the meal. Check it out and meet people who have a love of life and see how at peace they are,'' Bond said. ``The course can bring peace and calmness into your life.''

Lay leaders, not clergy, will lead this ALPHA course. Hall thinks this format may be a good idea because some people may feel less likely to be candid with their questions if there are ``authority people'' leading the sessions.

``The goal is to re-evangelize. This is a very gentle way of reaching people,'' said Ken Elsey , a deacon at Santa Rosa and an ALPHA facilitator. ``If you have felt that there are some gaps in your life, as far as religion goes, and you're looking for an opportunity to re-connect, ALPHA is a good opportunity.

The acronym ALPHA has rather an unwieldy explanation: Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith; Learning and laughter; Pasta -- there is a bond when people eat together; Helping each other learn; and Ask anything.

``When I took the course, I felt like I didn't have the information I needed about my faith. I discovered that the course confirmed my faith and gave me answers,'' said Lorraine Brown, a facilitator from First Lutheran Church of Northridge. ``My goal is that everyone wants to come back after that first session. I've seen results. The course is nothing but positive.''

ALPHA runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Nov. 17 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 15950 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. Fee is $30, and includes meals and materials. Call St. Stephen's Lutheran Church at [phone]; Santa Rosa de Lima, [phone]; First Presbyterian Church, [phone]; or First Lutheran, [phone].

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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Facilitators, from left, Lorraine Brown, Rose Bond, Kim Bond, Ken Elsey, Jack Irwin and Nancy Hall are conducting a Christianity course called ALPHA beginning Sept. 15.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer