Life after Alpha is bigger than just another course. Think process, not program. We hope guests will continue their faith journey, become part of a local church community, and begin serving in some capacity. Here are some ideas, and scroll below for links to specific resources:
1. STAY CONNECTED: A place to connect.
Encourage Alpha guests to exchange contact information or make a Whatsapp group to plan meet-ups. Help them connect with people who have the same interests. Get together for coffee or plan an outdoor weekend activity like a hike or BBQ. Follow Alpha Canada on social media for updates (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
2. SERVE: A place to serve.
Invite guests to serve on the next Alpha team! Over the years, we have seen Alpha guests serve as helpers, and many become empowered and eager to serve as Alpha hosts! Recommend a role that best matches their interests and gifts (technical help, kitchen team, small group helper etc). Encourage guests to bring a non-Christian friend to the next Alpha!
📌 Top Tip 💡Consider running Alpha again but in a different context. Sometimes guests feel more comfortable meeting in a neutral setting than in a church. Alpha has been run with great success in coffee shops, a gym, a motorcycle shop, community centres, a hockey rink, etc. Where is God calling you?
3. SUNDAY SERVICE: A place to belong.
Attend church together! If Alpha participants are not churchgoers, small group hosts can suggest meeting up and going as a group so it is less intimidating. With permission, take them on a tour of the church and explain where different activities take place. Introduce them to your friends and go for coffee afterwards to discuss their experience and thoughts.
4. SMALL GROUP: A place to learn.
Invite Alpha guests to join a home or life group (or start a new one)! Discuss the Sunday sermon or go through specific discipleship material. Look for ways to provide the same environment that guests enjoyed while attending Alpha—fun, honest sharing, open discussion, and prayer. Meet every week (or two) on the same day and time for consistency and provide an atmosphere that is casual and friendly.
📌 IDEA: Consider going through "The Bible with Nicky & Pippa" together with your group. Readings can be done solo. Reflections and comments can be shared with the group! 30-day option + 1-year option.
5. STRATEGY: A place to keep growing.
Jesus said "Make disciples" (Matt 28). There are many one or two-year discipleship programs to help Alpha guests learn, grow, and follow Jesus. Consider using one of the resources listed below to ensure that guests continue meeting up together or with others.
🛟 If you are a pastor in Canada, consider joining The Pastorate network for encouragement, inspiration, and shared learning.
On average, you will need to run Alpha 7 times to work out how Alpha fits your context. It also takes about this long for the percentage of non-churchgoing guests to exceed the percentage of churchgoing guests.
Over time, running Alpha will spark an even greater culture of hospitality and invitation as new leaders are empowered and God does something new in your church! (Run Alpha Handbook, p. 59)
These resources have been recommended by various churches across Canada. Please review them with your leadership to determine which best fits your church.
Free Resources
4 episodes: Life Shared Series (for Christian adults)
4 episodes: Life on Purpose (for Christian youth)
5-week course: The Unanswered Prayer Course + 8-week: The Prayer Course
5-week course: The Pre-Marriage Course + 7-week: The Marriage Course
8-week course: Practicing the Way
8-week course: The Sanctuary Course & Sanctuary for Youth (mental wellness)
10-week course: A Life Worth Living (based on book of Philippians)
Various Bible studies: The Bible Project
Resources for Purchase
Catholic Christian Outreach: Faith Study Series
7-week course: Rooted Discipleship Series
8-week course: The Bible Course
💡 For more discipleship resources, please check with your local Christian bookstore, Ekkuip Canada, Focus on the Family, or other publishers.
Recommended for you 🎊
Run Alpha at your local prison!