5 minute guide to its format

Preparation

The team

Approximately one third of each Alpha course is made up of team members who either lead, or help in a group, or help in the 'task force' which is responsible for carrying out all the jobs like laying out chairs and preparing the food.

There is a three session training course for those who are leading or helping in a small group.

Two of these sessions (on leading small groups and pastoral care) are held before the course starts, while the third (on the subject of ministry) is held just before the weekend away.

All of these talks are available on the Alpha Team Training Video.
See Publications

Dates

The course takes eleven weeks (including the celebration supper at the end). In order to maintain momentum it is necessary to run three courses a year.

Venue

The ideal venue is a home, if the course is small enough. Once it has outgrown a home a venue needs to be found with a welcoming atmosphere.

Brochure

It is a good idea to have a brochure. Contact your local publications supplier about customised brochures.

Logistics

Food

A meal can be served at the start of the evening.

This helps people to unwind and catch up on each other's news.

A charge can be made to cover the cost of the food.

If you do not have a catering team then the small groups could take turns in producing the meal.

Bookshop

With the bigger courses it may help to have books on sale.

The leader may like to suggest reading Questions of Life during the course. Other books are listed at the end of each talk in the manual.
See Publications

Worship

This may not suit all situations but you can sing a few praise songs before the main talk starts.

Organising people into small groups

If you have details about the guests, then you can assign them to appropriate groups, paying particular attention to age range.

If you have very few details, you can only pray for guidance - it usually works!

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