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:

Learn about Alpha
Let us know about your plans
Get prepared
Invite people to your group
Lead your group
Share your story

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.

Hospitality

Listening

Dependence

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]

Is Alpha only for non-Christians or for everyone?

What does a typical Alpha night look like?

Here’s a sample evening schedule for Alpha:

6:30pm Your small group members and guests enter and get snacks or food and sit around and chat. Keep things like and relaxed at the beginning. Make sure to let new people know where the bathroom is and help them feel comfortable.

6:45pm Welcome everyone and say something like this: “My name is _____, welcome! For this season of our group, we are going to follow along with a great resource called Alpha! We’ll watch a short film about a different faith topic and then have a discussion. The value is true conversation, not consensus. So, feel free to bring up your questions and ideas even if you think not everyone will agree with you. That’s why we’re having the discussion. We want to learn together. As we watch this first film, think about what draws you in, what causes curiosity in you, and what makes you react strongly.

6:55pm Watch film (25min); stream from the provided links or via files on a thumb drive

7:20pm Discussion; stay in one small group or break into smaller groups of 5-6 people.

Use the Huddle Note questions as a guide. If there’s a moment of silence, that’s okay. Wait about seven seconds before you break the silence. If the silence goes on too long, ask your helper or someone who you know is maybe shyer to speak to share what they think. Remember, if someone asks you what you think about a question, as much as possible bring it back to the whole group, “Interesting question, what does everyone think?”

8:00pm Finish up and tell everyone “That’s what we have for tonight. We look forward to seeing you next week!” Sometimes a few people will want to stay around and talk a little bit more about a question that felt more difficult for them. Take a little time for that, if it happens, and then tell them that you’ll see them next week and you can discuss more. Some folks may also want to share something more personal or ask for prayer. It will work best to save those items for after the official dismissal.

How do I get trained?

How do I invite someone to Alpha?

Do we have to provide food each week?

HOW TO INVITE

An invitation to Alpha does not have to be perfect. What’s most important is that we simply do it. The good news is that even the simplest invitation, made with genuine love, can be used by God to speak deeply to someone, even if they are not outwardly seeking.

Why you should invite a friend

If church or Alpha are a large part of your life, it would actually be strange for you to not share about that part of your life. Your friends and family probably do want to hear about what you’re up to!
When we don’t invite, we’re saying no for someone. It robs them of having a chance to respond. We’re assuming we know what they will think and what God is up to in their life.

What’s the worst that can happen if they say no? Here’s a great blog on that topic

Here are a few ideas of how to invite Alpha:

“Alpha is a space to process faith, and I’m going to be involved in hosting one of those spaces. Would you like to attend with me?”
“One thing I miss the most these last couple years is having a place to talk to people who think differently than me and challenge me with new perspectives and ideas. I miss talking about real things with people who are not in my ‘bubble’. I'm going to be doing exactly that at a place called Alpha, would you want to try it out with me?”
“I know you’re not interested in church that much right now. I’m getting involved in something called Alpha. I think you would love it because it’s a space where we talk about faith and big life topics, but in a natural way, and anyone can say anything they like. I know you love talking about spirituality and all sorts of things. Would you like to try this out with me and give me your feedback about what you think?”

Here are some Resources you can send invite

Alpha website
Alpha Promo Ad
Social Media Invite
Weekly Devotionals
You can also find invite cards at the small group booth in the lobby.

ALPHA SCHEDULE

Below is a list of topics for each week along with links to a video and huddle guides when applicable.

Week of:

PRAY

We are dependent on God to move in people’s heart. Prayer is the most important thing we can do in this Alpha season. Please pray along with our guide each week.

Weekly Prayer Guides

Week 1: Is there more to life than this?

Week 2: Who is Jesus?

Week 3: Why did Jesus Die?

Week 4: How can I have faith?

Week 5: Why and how do I pray?

Week 6: Why and how should I read the Bible?

Week 7: How does God guide us?

Alpha Holy Spirit Day

Week 8: How can I resist evil?

Week 9: Why and how should I tell others?

Week 10: Does God heal today?

Week 11: What about the church?

TELL US YOUR STORY

We want to be a church community that celebrates and shares what God is doing in and through us. Hearing someone share what God is doing in their lives or the lives of others infuses faith and vision in a way that little else does. We are encouraged throughout Scripture to share with others what we have experienced of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

We’d love to hear how God is moving in your or through your Alpha group.
Have questions? Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]