We're so glad that you're thinking of running an Alpha! Here are 7 simple steps to help the Course Administrator find key resources, save time, and organize a worry-free Alpha. Or click here if you prefer a short video clip walkthrough: Getting Started
1 - Create a MyAlpha account (if you haven't already).
Course Administrators, Table Hosts, and Alpha Helpers each need their own account. Log in using your unique email address and password. This will give you access to preview all the Alpha videos, go through the Learning Centre videos, and register all your courses each year. No membership fee; it's all free! (more info here)
2 - Register your Alpha course.
If you're the primary Alpha leader (Course Administrator), please register each course every year on the MyAlpha website. This will give you access to all the most current, updated videos, handouts, and training materials. Hosts & Helpers can be added in the "Team" section. (more info to register courses)
Please note: 📣 Only ONE person can be the Course Administrator. Hosts and Helpers can be added to the "Team" section and will have access to all the materials. But only Course Admins will have access to change Course Settings and add team members. Whoever registers the course is the Course Admin.
3 - Adjust the dates of your schedule.
After you register an Alpha course, look for the dashboard or the "My Alpha Courses" tab on the left side. Please click on the red "View and edit" button. This will open up the next page! You will see 5 tabs at the top.
Click on the "Schedule" tab at the top. You'll find our recommended order of Alpha sessions. Customize the online schedule so that the dates match up with each session of your Alpha (eg. if you need to skip a week because of a holiday).
Each week, we will email you and your team all the resources you need according to the topics in your Schedule. The emails include quick links to each resource along with top tips and key reminders!
Please note: 📣 Only the Course Administrator can adjust the Alpha course dates in the Schedule section. Hosts & Helpers can see the Schedule but don't see the calendar icons to change dates.
4 - Choose your hosts & helpers and add them to the Team.
Prayerfully choose team members and match roles with gifts (team role info).
Under the "Team" tab, add your team's email addresses.
They will receive an email to log in with their own email address and password.
Hosts & helpers can download the videos, handouts, and promotional materials.
Team members (hosts & helpers) cannot see the "Team" tab.
Please note: Course Administrators, please do not add yourself to the "Team" section or it will change your access level.
5 - Train your whole Alpha team!
You can find training resources in the "Series Materials" section. Plan a day together with your whole team for team building, fun, and prayer (ideas for team training here).
Training videos: Watch and discuss the team training videos together.
For your team: Print the discussion questions & info sheets (weekly PDF).
For your guests: Print or share the handouts for guests (weekly PDF).
Alpha videos: Download and watch the videos with your guests. Send the video share link to guests who missed a session.
The Alpha Team Guide includes notes for the 2 Team Training videos, recommended reading, admin reminders, key concepts, and group discussion questions for each week. (Sample here)
The Alpha Guest Guide includes the key points for each week, Bible verses covered in the video, and a list of books about various Christian topics in the "Recommended Reading" section. (Sample here)
The Alpha Youth Discussion Guide includes general tips & guidelines for Table Hosts, a weekly key concept, discussion questions, key Bible verses, and points to "keep in mind." (Sample here)
6 - Promote your Alpha & invite guests.
Promote to Church: Use the Sunday Service Guide for ideas to inspire your church to invite people to Alpha. Share the 11:02 Prayer Cards with your church and print a banner to hang outside the building. Show the "Who will you invite?" video for inspiration.
Promote to Guests: Share guest invitations, social media images, video trailers, and inspirational story videos. (40 ways to promote Alpha)
Please note: 📣 Alpha Canada provides over 50 templates for you to share digitally or to print (in-house, at a local print shop, or through an online printing service). We do not print, sell, or ship promotional resources. We're here to help if you have any questions.
7 - Download the video and questions each week.
In the "What's Next" tab, you will see links to resources for each upcoming Alpha session. This section will be updated each week. (Example below) If you prefer to see all the videos and materials in one place, click on the "Series Materials" tab.
To change your Course Settings (start date, time, name, etc):
Please click on "Edit Alpha Details" in the top right corner of your screen.
Save this link to log in to MyAlpha anytime: app.alpha.org/ca
If you have any questions, please email our Digital Support Team at support@alphacanada.org.
Recommended for you! 🎉