| |
Step Two – Plan your Alpha course
Set the dates
Alpha works best if it is run two or three times a year so guests from one course can invite their friends to the next course. The dates that seem to work best is to have the fall course begin in September, the winter course in January, and the spring course in April.
Register your course
Take a moment to let us know you are planning a course. This allows any person who contacts Alpha USA an opportunity to attend your course. Click here to add your information.
Decide how to deliver the talks
All the talks are available on DVD in either standard length (40 minutes) or Express version (20 minutes). We would suggest that to use the DVD’s at first and then if you choose to move to live speakers, please take a moment to read the instructions that are found on Alpha Live - this is a part of our website that is devoted to helping speakers do live talks.
Decide where to hold the course
A home is considered the most inviting place to host an Alpha course and the least threatening for the guests, but often because of the size of the course, it is helpful to meet somewhere in the church. When meeting in a church, try to create a welcoming environment, and make sure that there is enough space for each small group to meet.
Begin to plan for the Day/Weekend Away
This is a vital part of the course and needs to be considered right from the start. Will you do an overnight somewhere or secure a place to meet off site for the day. The best time for the Weekend/Day Away is after week 6, but it can come any time after week 5 and before week 9.
Select your Small Group Hosts and Helpers
The ideal group size is 12 in total, for which you will need two hosts and two helpers and 8 guests. When selecting your team, look for people who are outgoing, patient and confident. Ask yourself the question, “Would I want my best friend, who does not have a living relationship with Jesus, to talk to this person about Christianity?” If the answer is “no” then we suggest they not be a host or helper.
Hosts are small group leaders but their role is more like a host welcoming guests to their home. They help in facilitating the conversation rather than a leader who teaches during the small group time. Helpers are to build friendships with the guests, provide prayer support and help the small group discussion time.
Select a Task Force
The team of people who do the practical work behind the scenes. This can include:
- setting up the tables/chairs for the meal
- preparing the small group rooms
- the audio/video needs for the evening
- preparing and serving the food
- cleaning up the venue at the end of the evening.
Budget Plan
- Having a suggested donation and collection basket for the weekly meals is appropriate.
- Occasionally, the church will cover the entire food costs.
- Typically there is a separate charge for the Weekend/Day Away, since it involves other costs.
- Taking up an offering at the Weekend or on Week 10 has proven to be fruitful for many courses.
- Buy the "Just Beginning Kit" it comes with all that you need to start a course for either 10 or 25 guests.
|
|
|
|
|
Register/Update a Course
Contact Us
