First time running Alpha? Answers to 7 Most Asked Questions!

We're so excited that you've chosen to run the Alpha course - whether at your church, in homes, at a community centre, local pub, campus, boardroom, etc. Here are some top tips to get you started!

1/ Who can I contact if I have questions?
Customer service is available at the Alpha Canada office during regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm) at 1 800 743 0899. Also, there are Alpha Regional Directors and Specialty Alpha Directors who are available to assist you, and they will assign a Course Coach to you – for prayer, helpful hints, free advice etc.  Check online for a list of the Alpha team.

2/ Is there a specific format to run Alpha or do I just show the videos?
Alpha was designed with 3 ‘essential elements’ which some people call ‘the recipe’. They are: connection over a meal, Christian teaching through the Alpha talks, and conversation during small group discussion. We encourage churches to be creative, innovative and flexible with this recipe! Read through the 3 Essential Elements to understand the DNA of the Alpha philosophy.

3/ What material do I need and where do I get it?
There are Alpha Start-up Kits available or here are the basics to get started:

   * Alpha talks:  10-week Alpha or 7-week Alpha* (*download for free after you register your Alpha course online) Also online: Visit the Specialty Alpha folder for Prison Alpha, Youth Alpha, ESOL etc.
   * How to Run the Alpha Course: the Director’s Handbook  - how to pick team members, budgets, promotion, training ideas, and weekly top tips (also available online).
   * Alpha Guest Manuals – a weekly outline of each topic with main points (more info)
   * Small Group Team Manual – a helpful resource to accompany the 3 training talks (more info)

All products listed above can be ordered online at David C. Cook Distribution Canada or phone them at 1 800 263 2664 or check with your local Christian bookstore.

4/ How do I train my team to run an Alpha course?
We suggest meeting with your team 3 times for training before each Alpha course to learn about and discuss the following topics:
Before Alpha begins: “Hosting Small Groups” and “Pastoral Care”
Before the Weekend away:  “Prayer Ministry”

The 3 training topics listed above are available in 3 options:
Nicky Gumbel Leaders’ Training DVD – 3 talks are 1 hour each (purchase online)
Jamie Haith Leaders’ Training videos – free online, same main points, 30 min talks
Live Training Powerpoint slides – free online, transcripts & PPT free, customize

The Small Group Team Manual is a helpful resource for team leaders that includes an outline and main points of the 3 Training Talks (also online) as well as small group discussion questions (also online).

5/ Why am I encouraged to register my Alpha course with Alpha Canada?
This online course directory helps guests across Canada to find a course near them.  If you prefer to keep your Alpha course private, please DO register your course but click NO to post online. You’ll still receive all the benefits!

Benefits of Course Registration: Free publicity, free weekly Realtime Training emails (top tips for each Alpha topic), get matched with an experienced Course Coach, find out first about special regional events, learn about new resources and product updates, receive invitations to private Alpha events and occasionally, get FREE stuff!  And don't forget to register ALL your courses!

6/ Tell me more about the FREE stuff....!
Alpha Canada’s website for leaders is called Alpha Tools. This website provides a wealth of info such as Alpha jokes, team training handouts, small group top tips, Alpha stories, etc. Download FREE Alpha posters, guest invitations and postcards that you can customize with your Alpha course start date, time and contact info. Free promo video clips are also downloadable!

7/ Why does the Alpha course include a Weekend Away or Day Away?
The Alpha retreat is about fun and friendship but more importantly, four of the teachings are given during the Weekend (25% of the course material)!  A Weekend Away gives guests the space, time and environment needed to thoroughly process and reflect on what they are learning. On Alpha evaluation forms, guests consistently indicate that the Weekend or Day Away was the best part of their course. 

If you’re new to Alpha, we strongly encourage you to book the Retreat Centre as soon as possible! Reserve the dates and tell your Alpha team to mark it in their calendars. Visit the Alpha Tools website for more helpful tips for a successful Weekend Away.

Quick Links: 7 Top Tips to Getting Alpha Started / Alpha Planning Check List