PLEASE NOTE:
We began this project by writing a fairly large document simply called Alpha - the Unofficial Guide. To make it more manageable for readers, we split it down into two volumes called WORLD and CHURCH respectively.  During this process we realised that some folks will only need a précis of the material we had gathered, thus we created a third volume called OVERVIEW. 

The OVERVIEW volume is essentially a summary of two larger books, although it also includes some advanced material which does not appear in the others.  (Further reasons for creating the OVERVIEW volume are listed in its Preface.)

Description from the Publisher:
Massively revised and improved since its initial release in 2001, the latest edition of OVERVIEW contains hundreds of refinements and extras - including profound additional insights and numerous updates. This graceful but powerful volume is now considered to be the ultimate assessment of the Alpha Course!

• The Course is a favourite way to introduce the unsaved to the Christian church, and millions have already participated.

• It has enjoyed explosive growth and is being used in over 150 countries and 35 languages.

• It has proved straightforward to run and has precipitated a large number of testimonies.

For these reasons most groups conduct the Course largely 'as is' - without fully considering whether any aspects might be problematic. But many of the subjects covered by Alpha have eternal significance, and God calls us to be extremely diligent to make sure that everything we teach about His Kingdom is accurate (1 Timothy 4:13-16; James 3:1). We are dealing with men's souls, hence the Bible commands us to test "all things" regardless of their source (1 Thess. 5:21; Gal. 1:8), and even the apostle Paul encouraged his hearers to check what he said (1 Corinthians 10:15b; Acts 17:11).

In view of the awesome responsibility that we Christians have toward those we educate in the Lord, the author (along with a brother) has undertaken a prayerful, sincere, and very thorough review of the current Alpha Course. The findings are truly remarkable. Discover:

• HTB's fascinating position regarding pagan religions and cults

• The full breadth and depth of Alpha's relationship with Rome

• The astonishing choice of official conversion testimonies

• Nicky Gumbel's interesting stance on unity and truth

• HTB's views on Scripture, Church history and the last days

• The ingenious techniques used to get Alpha's message across

• The surprising areas missed out of the Course material

• The degree of Word-faith influence on Alpha's teachings

• The incredible range of manifestations being reported

• And more!

Packed with stunning extracts from Alpha resources, plus eye-opening quotes from attendees, this invaluable book also explains how the belief-system underpinning the Course holds together, and how it relates to Scripture.

Given the huge impact that Alpha is having on the Church, it is vital for all believers to grasp the nature of this extraordinary Course. If you are seeking a gracious and uncompromisingly biblical treatment of the subject then you need look no further. This gentle yet honest book is also a 'must' if you know anyone who is confused about issues like interfaith, ecumenism, social gospels, the 'prosperity' doctrine, 'TB' experiences - or how all these matters interlink.

The complete results of six man-years of research are available in a twin-volume Guide. The 160-Overview volume comprises a carefully-written distillation of this work (plus a new appendix with advanced material) and serves various purposes. It supplies a concise summary for those folk who need to access the principle points in a hurry, and it allows people to see if they, or any friends, would benefit from the main Guide. (Note that the Overview now documents each of its many Alpha-related quotes, and is substantially more comprehensive than anything else on the market.)