Biblica Canada’s goal has always been to make the Word of God and the various tools available to Christians more easily accessible and understandable. In fact, that was the very heart and passion that led Biblica U.S. to create the NIV Bible in 1986. The NIV has since become the most widely read Bible translation in contemporary English. It delivers the very best combination of accuracy, readability and clarity, making it easy to read and easy to understand.
Over the past two years, Biblica Canada has worked with a team of Christian writers and partner churches to create the Alpha Omega Program, a brand-new tool available for French-speaking Christians throughout Canada. Its centrepiece, the personal guide, which covers 52 relevant topics, introduces new believers to Bible reading and helps them familiarize themselves with basic principles of the Christian faith. Together with the discussion and leader guides that complete the program, Alpha Omega provides groups of believers with the necessary framework to grow together in their faith using content created by Biblica Canada.
This valuable resource is intended as a catalyst for a growing relationship with Christ and, by extension, a sustained commitment to God and the Bible. The Alpha Omega Guide—which refers to the Bible du Semeur, a French version of the Bible perfectly suited to new believers—helps readers not only deepen their knowledge of the Bible, but also grow in community by joining a small group. That is why the personal guide is accompanied by a discussion guide and a leader guide for use in small groups.
Glenn Smith, Chair of Biblica Canada’s Board of Directors, explains it this way: “It was important for us to provide new believers with a resource that bridged the gap between personal Bible reading and learning alongside other people. And the program does just that. It is an invaluable tool for believers throughout Canada!”
In practical terms, the personal guide presents a variety of topics on God, faith and the Bible. It covers topics such as salvation, forgiveness, prayer, depression, praise, fasting, suffering, the return of Jesus and much more! It also presents several key characters from the Bible and what Christians can learn from them today. The guide features personal testimonies that tell of the transforming power of Jesus, with the overall goal of helping new Christians better understand their faith, live according to Christian principles and remain firm in their commitment to Jesus.
Designed to accompany the personal guide, the discussion guide dives in greater detail into the 52 topics using discussion questions, practical applications and prayers. The topics can be tackled in any order, and the group can move at its own pace. Together, small group participants discover the Word of God and share their knowledge, experiences and testimonies as they grow in their faith.
Finally, the leader guide provides group leaders with the resources they need to confidently lead their groups into relevant and engaging conversations. Beginners and experienced facilitators alike can learn how to create an atmosphere that is conducive to fruitful conversation, find tips to encourage reflection and discover strategies to ensure every participant feels safe and considered.
The Alpha Omega Program is currently only available in French. Churches can purchase copies of the Alpha Omega guide and help their community grow in their faith. English-speaking churches or churches wanting to bless other communities can also donate to Biblica Canada so they can be provided with the guides they need even if they cannot afford them, ensuring that Christians of all ages can benefit from this new resource.
The Alpha Omega Guide is scheduled for translation into English in 2025, so it can reach even more Christians across Canada. Biblica Canada is also working with its partner in the U.S. to make this tool available throughout the French-speaking world in the coming years.
We all know that the Christian life is not without pitfalls; every Christian must face trials, moments of doubt and questioning on their journey. And that is especially true for new believers who have just discovered Jesus. This is why Biblica Canada designed a new program that can, for many people, be the starting point for a solid Christian faith and the bridge they need to strengthen their faith as part of a small group.
