Running Alpha online

During moments of uncertainty and physical distancing, finding creative ways to continue to meet together is more vital than ever. We have an opportunity like never before to share the gospel.

Why run Alpha online?

The Online Experience

Alpha online uses the same content as the in-person Alpha, the only difference is that it is hosted over the digital space. Each session features a talk and small group discussions, with the option of sharing a virtual meal with guests or some ice-breaker games before the talk. Alpha online allows churches, organisations and individuals to take evangelism into a new space – the digital space, with intentions to reach further and wider.

What does an Alpha Session look like?

Connection

Whether it is a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, or a quick online catch-up, times of connecting are important. It is no different at Alpha.

Whether in person over a meal or virtually with a cup of tea, all sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships.

Content

The Alpha talks are designed to engage people from all walks of life and inspire conversation.

Explore the big questions of life, unpack the basics of the Christian faith, and address questions like “Who is Jesus?“, “Why and how do I pray?“ and “How does God guide us?“

Conversation

One of the most important parts of Alpha: the chance to share your opinion, and discuss in a small group. There is no obligation to say anything and there is nothing you cannot say.

It is an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

Preview Alpha Videos

The Greatest Opportunity

Nicky Gumbel has called this moment “The greatest evangelical opportunity of my lifetime.“ Join churches from all over the globe to invite friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to discover a relationship with Jesus.

Alpha online works because it:

Reaches more people

More people than ever can join your Alpha.

Reaches new people

The gospel becomes more accessible when you share it online.

Reaches and releases young people

Young people are more likely to try and run Alpha when it is online.

Grows strong leaders

Running Alpha online puts responsibility into the hands of your team.

Changes lives

Jesus is transforming lives through Alpha online.

Digital Solutions

If churches are not able to physically run an Alpha course, we recommend moving Alpha online! We firmly believe that as churches innovate in these unforeseen circumstances, God can reach an even greater number of people.

1. Find an Online Solution

There are many great solutions online that will allow churches to play a video and have a discussion time. Some services we recommend are Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype.

*We are excited to also announce that we will be launching Alpha Now in 2022 – our very own video conferencing platform that will be integrated with MyAlpha for a unique Alpha experience!

2. Decide on the Format

Option 1: Provide the weekly video to all hosts and have each group join into their own web conference. We recommend using this model if the total number of Alpha participants is over 75.

Option 2: Have all participants dial in to one web conference to watch the video/talk. After the video/talk is finished, break out into individual groups.

3. Alpha Weekend Away

If able to meet in smaller groups, consider having a day away. Churches have found that by this point, guests really wanted to meet in person and are very open to a non-digital format.

If doing an online weekend away, we recommend:

Watch two videos in one day.
Include live or pre-recorded testimonies to create an authentic and personal environment.
Make sure to add fun elements into the day! Surveys, games, humorous videos. The day should feel varied and not lag.

4. Prayer Ministry

We recommend each host feels out their group when it comes to prayer ministry:

Breakout into smaller groups and pray for each other.
Breakout one-on-one and pray individually.
Invite guests to request prayer from the group host via chat or email. The group host can then reach out individually to the guests to setup time for a quick prayer.