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:
6 Guidelines for MCs
1. Be friendly and enthusiastic.
MCs set the tone for the evening so be warm and welcoming. If you're running a large Alpha in person, assign people as greeters so no one is missed. If you're running Alpha online, acknowledge people as they join the group and don't forget to smile!
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). If you're running an Alpha in person, 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. Over the following weeks, we'll explore 15 of life's biggest questions. This week's question is: "Is there more to life than this?"
3. Guide the evening along.
As the schedule changes, keep guests updated. For an in-person Alpha, 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, tell people where they can pick them up.
4. Share detailed instructions.
After the video has finished, tell guests how long they will be in their small groups for discussion. If the groups will be meeting in different rooms, provide instruction for this as well. If you're using the Guest Sign-up Form, explain where they can be dropped off.
5. End the evening on time.
Provide a 5-minute warning before discussion time ends (use a phone ringer or bell) and always end the evening on time each week to be respectful of your guests' time.
6. 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 again 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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