Thomas Baldwin reports on the launch of new resource aimed at engaging young people with faith.

GLOBAL Christian charity Alpha International has produced a new, refreshed Alpha Youth Series, designed to resonate with today’s young people.

The series aims to welcome young people into a conversation about life, faith and purpose, inviting them to discover and develop a relationship with Jesus. It features testimonies and stories from around the world including Scotland’s Dez Johnston, President of the Boys Brigade, and Alpha Youth Director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Over 32 million people have taken part in the previous Alpha Youth series, which has been run all over the world by Christians of all traditions, since it was launched in 2013. For the making of the new series, Alpha International partnered with Signal Flare, an award-winning production house, producing content for HBO, Netflix and many more. The company is led by Steve Chao, a twotime Emmy-nominated filmmaker.

Presented over eight weeks, the series contains ten episodes which have been created by youth, for youth. Bringing together insights from experts and vox pops, the series covers the core concepts of the Christian faith, through relevant and relatable storytelling. Presenters include performers, content creators, worship leaders and pastors from the UK, US and Australia, addressing questions including ‘What does real love look like?’, ‘What does a relationship with God look like?’ and ‘Does God heal today?’.

Subtitles are available in several languages, including English (UK or US), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Latam), Korean, Thai, Bahasa Indonesian, Tamil and Swedish, with more languages in the works.

Brenda Robertson, Senior Relationship Manager at Alpha Scotland, said: “With its diverse line-up of hosts and engaging content, the series promises to be a valuable resource for churches, organisations, and individuals seeking to connect with the next generation. Our heart is that every young person in Scotland has the opportunity to share what’s on their mind and hear about Jesus in a way that is relevant to them”.

Executive producer, and Global Youth Director for Alpha, Dan Blythe, said: “Having dedicated two decades to youth ministry, I am convinced that the culture of Alpha Youth, centred around listening and hospitality, resonates deeply with this generation. The new Alpha Youth Series, created by youth for youth at all levels, aims to provide a safe and inclusive space where young people can freely engage in discussions, irrespective of their beliefs or behaviours. As I think and pray for teenagers worldwide, I am inspired by the potential of this gift to equip local churches in fostering open and meaningful conversations with teenagers about faith, life, and purpose”.

The Alpha course began in 1977 at Holy Trinity Brompton, a Church of England church in London, initially as a course for church members to explore their faith, and then as an introduction for anyone interested in Christianity.. The course has been run in over 100 countries, by churches from all the major Christian traditions including Anglican, Reformed, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal.

For more information about the Alpha Youth Series, visit alpha.org/alphayouthseries or contact youth@alpha.org or alphascotland@alpha.org