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!
This retreat takes place right after week 7 about God's guidance (after week 5 for Alpha Youth). The Alpha videos focus on the Holy Spirit, relationships are deepened, and lives are impacted by specific times of prayer.
Three Top Tips
👍 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.
👍 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!
👍 Some groups have an Alpha Team "mini-retreat" before the Alpha Weekend/Day with guests. Team Leaders can meet together a couple of hours before guests arrive, or gather online the day before, etc. It's a time of listening prayer and team building.
🛠️ Alpha Weekend Resources
TRAINING VIDEOS | Watch and discuss the Team Training videos in MyAlpha > Series Materials with your whole team.
|
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 (page 23). For youth, see the Youth Discussion Guide (pgs 9-10). |
PLANNING CHECKLIST | Download the Weekend Planning & Prep checklist. See ideas below for activities during free time. For Youth, download the Party Pack Design Files in the "Promote/Print Assets" section! |
INTAKE FORM | Use the Alpha Weekend Intake Form to customize your own digital or print form. |
SCHEDULES | Plan and customize your Alpha Weekend/Day Schedule (3-day schedule here). See sample 1-day schedule below. Top Tip 👍 For the Alpha Film Series, if you're not doing a full weekend, one idea is to show only 3 of the 4 videos on your Alpha Day and then add an extra week to your Alpha to show the last weekend video! |
⏰ Sample Schedule (1-day)
📣 Promoting the Retreat
The Alpha Team Guide provides general guidance about promoting your Alpha weekend. Here are some key points:
On Week 4 (Faith), mention the Alpha weekend for the first time and explain the purpose (see pg 20). Ask guests to save the dates (pg 40).
On Week 5 (Pray), you can share more details and encourage guests to sign up. Mention the cost and any scholarships or bursaries (pg 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 (pg 44).
On Week 7 (Guide), arrange for transportation to the Alpha Weekend/Day and introduce drivers to passengers if necessary (pg 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 Bible 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, how to pray).
- 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
Recommended for you 🎊