The Alpha Weekend/Day is an opportunity for guests to have the unhurried time, space, and environment needed to process and reflect on what they have been learning. It's a time for fun, free time, and making friends!
✅ We don’t call it the “Holy Spirit Weekend” because this does not accurately reflect the full scope and purpose (and it sounds intimidating and intense to guests). It's better to refer to it as the Alpha Weekend, Alpha Gathering, Alpha Saturday, or Alpha Retreat (The Run Alpha Handbook, p. 35). 😃
📆 When is the Alpha Weekend/Day?
This retreat takes place right after week 7 about God's guidance (after week 5 for Alpha Youth). It's on the Alpha Weekend that relationships are deepened, the videos focus on the Holy Spirit, and lives are impacted by specific times of prayer. (See typical schedule here.)
Ideally, we want to show the videos about the Holy Spirit before the video about evil. This sequence is strategic as we want Alpha guests to feel confident in the power and protection of God before learning about Satan and spiritual warfare.
Even before your Alpha begins, note the date for your Alpha Weekend/Day and decide if you'll do a one-day, overnight, or full weekend retreat. Then reserve the retreat centre, cabin, or church room asap! (See the planning checklist here.)
✅ If your Alpha Weekend/Day is later than the recommended schedule, you could show the first Holy Spirit video during a regular session. Then show the rest of the videos on the Weekend/Day Away. Need help? Chat with an Alpha Coach!
⏰ How many days is the Alpha Weekend/Day?
Typically, the Alpha weekend is held over three days (Friday to Sunday) with four videos (see sample schedule here). The Alpha Day for Youth is usually one day with three videos.
Some Alpha groups choose to host an Alpha Saturday instead (10 am –3 pm) or a Friday night and Saturday. See sample schedules below. Provide opportunities for laughter, connection, and prayer ministry.
✅ If you do a one-day retreat (Alpha Saturday), you may want to show three videos instead of the usual four so it's not so video-intensive. Then add an extra week to your Alpha to show the fourth video!
🛠️ Alpha Weekend Resources
TRAINING VIDEOS | Watch and discuss the Team Training videos in MyAlpha > Series Materials with your whole team.
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TEAM GUIDE | Read through the Alpha Team Guide for 3 keys to praying with guests and for a list of Bible verses that you can use to pray with guests (p. 23). |
PLANNING CHECKLIST | Download the Weekend Planning & Prep checklist. See ideas below for activities during free time. |
INTAKE FORM | Use the Alpha Weekend Intake Form to customize your own digital or print form. |
📣 Promoting the Alpha Weekend/Day
The Alpha Team Guide and handbook provide general guidance about promoting your Alpha weekend. Here are some key points:
We don’t call it the “Holy Spirit Weekend” because this does not accurately reflect the full scope and purpose (and it sounds intimidating and intense to guests!). Call it the Alpha Weekend, the Alpha Saturday, Alpha Gathering, or Alpha Retreat! 😃 (The Run Alpha Handbook, p. 35).
Sample wording: "The Alpha retreat is an opportunity to get away from the busyness of everyday life so we can connect with each other and connect with God. We're going to have great food, sports & games, free time, some prayer together, and we'll be watching four videos that explore who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit empowers our lives today."
On Week 4 (Faith), mention the Alpha weekend for the first time and explain the purpose (see Alpha Team Guide, p. 40). It's okay to do this on Week 2 if you prefer to ask your guests to save the date(s) earlier.
On Week 5 (Pray), you can share more details and encourage guests to sign up. Mention the cost and any scholarships or bursaries (p. 42). Customize the sample Alpha Weekend Intake Form.
On Week 6 (Bible), ask someone who has been on a previous Alpha Weekend/Day and share their positive experience. Gather names and collect payment if needed (p. 44).
On Week 7 (Guide), arrange for transportation to the Alpha Weekend/Day and introduce drivers to passengers if necessary (p. 46).
🌅 Weekend Location Ideas
- Swap spaces with a local church for a different atmosphere.
- Go to a friend's house if they have a large living room or lounge space.
- Book an Airbnb log cabin, beach house, or country villa.
- See if your local community centre has a private room to rent (for Alpha Day).
- Book a retreat centre nearby—close enough for guests to drive back & forth if they can't stay overnight.
- Check with local camps, universities, and Bible colleges; some rent out their cabins or dorms in the off-season.
- Ask your Alpha leaders if someone has a condo amenity room to rent out for an Alpha Day.
🏈 Alpha Weekend Activities
- Organize friendly group games like soccer, football, badminton, etc.
- Provide a Prayer Box where guests can write down their prayer requests.
- Share a guided meditation app (eg. Cultivate Connection).
- Print & share the Father's Love Letter or the Lord's Prayer.
- Arrange Board Games, Puzzles, Charades, or a Scavenger Hunt.
- Encourage guests to read Psalm 23 and write their own prayer to God.
- Provide optional workshops (how to read the Bible, using Bible apps).
- Use the attached Signature Bingo sheet to play a group game.
(Ideas submitted by churches across Canada)
Please log in to MyAlpha to see more Alpha Weekend resources.
If you have questions about your Alpha Day or Weekend, or need help with dates or schedules, our Alpha Coaches would be happy to help you! Book a call here: alphacanada.org/coaching
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