Some Alphas have one specific person as the MC (Master of Ceremonies, main host) who is a familiar face every week on Alpha, while other groups rotate leaders. Either way, you need someone who knows how to host well. Here are some top tips for an emcee who hosts an Alpha:
7 Guidelines for MCs
1. Be friendly and enthusiastic.
MCs set the tone for the evening and are warm and welcoming. The goal is to be brief and informative, with energetic enthusiasm! If you're running Alpha online, acknowledge people as they join the group and don't forget to smile! (See Alpha USA's MC Notes here.)
2. Explain what to expect next.
After the MC welcomes guests, provide a brief overview of what's coming up (icebreaker/meal, video, discussion groups). Explain how the food will be served and how long mealtime will be. Briefly describe what the meal is and if there are any vegetarian options.
🎯 Suggested intro for the first night of Alpha:
Alpha is designed for people who have questions about life, faith, and meaning. If you're not a Christian or believe in God, you're in the right place! This is a safe place to explore and ask honest questions.
Each week we’ll share a meal, watch a short video, and break into groups for discussion. You can say as much or as little as you want. There’s no pressure and no judgment.
The word "Alpha" comes from the first letter of the Greek alphabet and it symbolizes a beginning or starting point of a journey. Over the next several weeks, we'll explore 15 of life's biggest questions. This week's question is: "Is there more to life than this?"
3. Provide a brief summary of the previous weeks.
Before each video, share one or two sentences that sum up the previous week's topics. This is helpful for new guests, those who missed a session, and for regular guests as a refresher. Use the "Key Concept" in the Alpha Team Guide for notes.
4. Guide the evening along.
Keep guests updated as you transition to the next activity. Give a 5-minute notice before dinner ends. Explain where people can put their plates and cutlery, and point out where the washrooms are. If you are providing Alpha Guest Guides or the weekly handouts, point out to people where they can pick them up.
5. Share detailed instructions.
After the video has finished, let guests know how long they will be in their small groups for discussion. If the groups will be meeting in different rooms, provide instructions for this as well. If you're using the Guest Sign-up Form on Week 1, explain where they can be handed in.
6. End the evening on time.
Provide a 5-minute warning before discussion time ends and always end the evening on time each week to be respectful of your guests' time.
🎯 The MC can also share key info like recommended reading as listed in the Guest Guide, pastor-approved resources for seekers, and a reminder each week to "save the date" for the Alpha Weekend/Day!
7. Invite guests back.
Conclude the evening with a sneak peek into next week's topic by sharing the topic teasers. This will pique their interest and motivate them to return next week. Tell them you're so glad they came out to Alpha and that you're looking forward to seeing them again next week.
🎯 Suggested closing for first night of Alpha:
We hope you had some fun together tonight. Next week the big question is "Who Is Jesus?" We'll examine historical evidence as well as proof if Jesus was more than just a moral religious teacher.
We don't have all the answers but Alpha is a space to be real and honest. Please feel free to bring a friend with you next week if you think they'd be interested. See you next week. Same time, same place!
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