A snapshot of Canadian Alpha courses in 2010!
Friday, February 4, 2011 at 3:00AM Total # of guests who attended an Alpha course in Canada in 2010:
17,020
% of non-churchgoers who started a relationship with Jesus Christ in 2010:
77%
"Over the past 11 years we have seen 375 people accept the Lord; many of them are involved in various ministries, with some of our key leaders coming out of an Alpha course."
Dan Wannop (Maple Ridge Alliance Church, BC)
Average # of guests on an Alpha Course in 2010:
23
"The amount of work that goes into setting up and running an Alpha course is nothing compared to
the eternal rewards of the many who will join you in heaven. Stay on track,
work hard for the Lord and be satisfied with the results you may never see."
Scott & Tracy Blackburn (Emmanuel Baptist Church, Shanty Bay, ON)
89.3% of courses provide a full meal deal.
"It’s important for guests to come into the dining hall and smell good food. The meal can be simple, like meat loaf, but elegant. When all the guests and leaders are seated for dinner, this is the time we interact with one another. It’s a time to share with people, be friendly, show great hospitality."
Doris Beaumont (First Baptist Church, Barrie, ON)
75% of churches report church growth.
"We are currently finishing our 30th consecutive course - 3 per year for 10 years - and we have seen hundreds take the course over the years and we are always expecting and seeing harvest!
I don’t want to sound like a lifer or company guy :) but it’s true; go by the recipe, have the weekend away, make sure the courses are rolling, have competent facilitators, have food, be fun, friendly, engaging. Let people share their opinions and ideas in the groups.
Don’t try to fix or correct. And say 'that’s interesting' a lot."
Todd Pratt (Desert Stream Christian Fellowship, Belleville, ON)
47% of Alpha leaders & helpers came to faith in Christ on a previous Alpha course.
"Asking for help from new believers from the previous course works well as they are still "hot off the press" and want to remain together. We use them for all roles except small group leaders. They make great small group helpers, greeters, kitchen crew, etc."
Merrilyn Barber (Bay Park Baptist Church, Kingston, ON)
83.3% say personal invitation is the best promotional tool.
Posters and newspaper ads came in 2nd
Church Banners came in 3rd
"The best way to attract people is through personal invitation and bringing them to the meal. The more you ask, the better the chance that some will come, and having to host 2 or more tables is a good problem to have! Please be encouraged. This process works. It is relational and non-confrontational. People are hungry for both!"
Barclay Mayo (Mountain Valley Mission, Squamish, BC)
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What exactly IS the "Alpha recipe"?
Find out in the 3 Essential Elements of the Alpha course.
(Statistics taken from the 2010 Alpha Course Survey)