ALPHA HOSTS
We believe everyone should have their chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view.
This winter as a church, we’re diving into a church-wide focus with the majority of our small groups using materials from the Alpha. On this page, you’ll be able to find all the information you need to run Alpha in in your existing small group, a new small group, or in informal settings with a few friends or co-workers.
How to get started:
Alpha – Quick Links
Sign up to be a facilitator, find an Alpha small group, share a story from your group, and more!
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life. It’s a judgment-free space where people can ask hard questions and share their opinion. You’ve probably heard us talk about Alpha as a way we engage those who are skeptical or not yet following Jesus, but it’s also a great foundational tool for anyone following Jesus. It helps us answer essential questions of faith like: why did Jesus die, why should I read the Bible, does God heal today, and many others. It’s invaluable for us to settle these questions for ourselves and have the language to teach and lead others.
Jesus often ate meals with people. He made wine out of water for people and multiplied loaves and fishes to feed people. In all these ways, he showed hospitality. That’s the first Alpha value: hospitality. Each session of Alpha starts with some food. That could either be a small snack or a whole meal, depending on the approach each group chooses. By creating a little room in our home, our neighborhood, or our workspace, we can facilitate spaces for people to belong.
Jesus listened deeply to people. He rarely answered a question directly. When he did respond it was almost always with a question in return or with a story. The goal of Alpha is conversation, not consensus. To truly listen to what someone has to say is a great gift.
Jesus did only what he saw the Father doing. And that’s what we do in Alpha as well. We are dependent on the Holy Spirit. We can’t ‘make’ anything happen. We can’t ‘make’ anyone accept our invitation. We can’t ‘make’ anyone choose to follow Jesus or encounter the Holy Spirit. In the Alpha space we choose to be dependent on the Father, to be slow to speak, and always listening to what he is doing.
How To Run An Alpha Group & FAQS
We want to support you well as you facilitate Alpha! Below we have some frequently asked questions.
If we haven’t answered your question here or you would like help deciding what to do with your group, contact Brian Brinkert at [email protected]
Jesus often ate meals with people. He made wine out of water for people and multiplied loaves and fishes to feed people. In all these ways, he showed hospitality. That’s the first Alpha value: hospitality. Each session of Alpha starts with some food. That could either be a small snack or a whole meal, depending on the approach each group chooses. By creating a little room in our home, our neighborhood, or our workspace, we can facilitate spaces for people to belong.
Jesus listened deeply to people. He rarely answered a question directly. When he did respond it was almost always with a question in return or with a story. The goal of Alpha is conversation, not consensus. To truly listen to what someone has to say is a great gift.
Jesus did only what he saw the Father doing. And that’s what we do in Alpha as well. We are dependent on the Holy Spirit. We can’t ‘make’ anything happen. We can’t ‘make’ anyone accept our invitation. We can’t ‘make’ anyone choose to follow Jesus or encounter the Holy Spirit. In the Alpha space we choose to be dependent on the Father, to be slow to speak, and always listening to what he is doing.
