How to run Alpha > Alpha Day or Weekend
Alpha Day
or Weekend
The Alpha Day or Weekend is one of the most special and transformative moments in the Alpha journey.
It’s where guests step away from the busyness of everyday life to pause, connect, and encounter God in a deeper way.
IT’S THE PART OF ALPHA THAT MANY GUESTS DESCRIBE AS THE MOMENT WHEN FAITH BECAME REAL. IT IS OFTEN A TURNING POINT IN THE GUESTS’ ALPHA EXPERIENCE.
Whether you host a full weekend, a single day, or an online version, the heart remains the same:
to give people time and space to reflect
to deepen friendships
to experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Online tip: Online Alpha Weekends can follow a similar rhythm to in-person sessions: watching talks together on Zoom, using music, and creating breakout rooms for prayer or ministry time.
No matter which format you choose, the focus is the same: creating an environment where guests can relax, feel safe, and experience God’s presence. Keep it simple. Keep it relational. Trust the Holy Spirit to do what only he can do.
BEFORE THE ALPHA DAY OR WEEKEND
Watch the Prayer & The Weekend Training video (available on MyAlpha) with your whole team before the day/ weekend so they feel prepared.
Use a different venue to your usual Alpha, perhaps out of town, such as community buildings/church buildings in a more rural setting. If your Alpha doesn’t regularly meet in a church building, why not use your own church building to introduce them to the space?
ALPHA DAY (ON A SATURDAY)
Earlier in the week, send your guests a link to watch the 10-minute video Introduction to the Weekend (found in MyAlpha). This helps them understand what to expect and prepares their hearts. It’s especially relevant for guests who are joining online or in a more flexible format.
Option 1 (9:30-17:00)
Send guests the link for Who is the Holy Spirit? to watch beforehand.
09:30 - Coffee/tea, pastries, fresh fruit
09:50 - Welcome and worship, plus a recap of Who is the Holy Spirit?
10:10 - What does the Holy Spirit do?
10:40 - Discussion
11:25 - Coffee/tea
11:40 - How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
12:10 - Prayer ministry and worship
12:45 - Lunch
13:30 - Free time/walk
15:00 - Coffee/tea, scones/cakes/traybakes
15:30 - How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
16:00 - Discussion
16:30 - Communion (optional), worship, and ministry time
17:00 - Close
Option 2 (9:30-16:15)
09:30 - Coffee/tea, pastries, fresh fruit
10:00 - Welcome and worship
10:20 - Who is the Holy Spirit?
10:50 - Comfort break and coffee/tea available
11:00 - What does the Holy Spirit do?
11:30 - Discussion
12:15 - Lunch
13:00 - Free time/walk
14:30 - Coffee/tea, scones/cakes/traybakes
15:00 - How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
15:30 - Ministry and worship
16:15 - Close
ALPHA WEEKEND
Why do the full weekend?
It gives guests the space, time, and atmosphere needed to thoroughly process and reflect on what they are learning.
It helps guests, hosts, and helpers get to know each other better and form lasting relationships. 3-4 of the teachings are given during the weekend (25% of the Alpha material).
It provides an opportunity for guests to ask to be prayed for and filled with the Holy Spirit.
It’s a special time to let God bless and encourage guests and leaders.
Top tip: Go to a house, cabin, or retreat centre nearby. Try going somewhere different from your usual meeting space.
Option 1 (Friday – Sunday)
Friday
18:00 - Arrive
19:00 - Dinner or snacks
20:00 - Introduction / Icebreaker game
21:00 - Show Introduction to the Weekend video
Saturday
08:30 - Breakfast
09:00 - Leaders' meeting
09:30 - Who is the Holy Spirit?
10:00 - Refreshments and snacks
10:30 - What does the Holy Spirit Do?
11:00 - Small group discussion
12:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Free afternoon (activities can be organised)
16:00 - Snacks, coffee/tea
17:00 - Worship and How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
17:30 - Prayer ministry
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Free time
Sunday
09:00 - Breakfast
09:30 - Leaders' meeting
10:00 - Small group discussion
11:00 - How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
11:30 - Prayer ministry
12:00 - Lunch and depart
Option 2 (Friday – Saturday)
This format retains the content of the weekend but reduces costs and is helpful for geographical areas with a limited selection of affordable accommodation/ venues nearby. The suggested programme allows the talks to be spread out and gives maximum contact time with the guests, allowing relationships to develop further without staying overnight. It allows the guests space and time to process the talks and opportunities to encounter the Holy Spirit.
Friday
Gather for a two-course meal and watch Who is the Holy Spirit? There’s no discussion after the video, but serving tea/ coffee and chocolates facilitates some relaxed conversations over the table, or you could consider having a short fun quiz.
19:00 - Doors open, welcome drinks served, music in background
19:15 - Meal served
20:00 - Worship (live or YouTube)
20:10 - Who is the Holy Spirit?
20:40 - Tea/coffee and chocolates: informal chat or quick quiz
21:15 - Time for home (finalise any lifts required for the morning)
Note: You can also send guests the link to Who is the Holy Spirit? if you feel the Friday evening session is not a suitable option.
Food – The guests are given a menu to choose from. This gives the feel of a night out, increases buy-in to attend, and reduces food waste as you cater for numbers in attendance. Ask for any food allergies/dietary requirements prior to deciding on the menu.
Team – Ask the wider church to be involved in the catering and serving of the food. It helps them to feel invested and involved with the obvious benefit of the guests meeting others from within the church.
Saturday
09:30 - Coffee/tea, pastries, fresh fruit
09:50 - Welcome and worship
10:05 - What does the Holy Spirit do?
10:35 - Discussion
11:20 - Coffee/tea
11:30 - How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
12:00 - Prayer ministry and worship
12:45 - Lunch
13:30 - Free time/walk
15:30 - Afternoon tea
16:00 - How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
16:30 - Discussion
17:00 - Communion (optional), worship, and ministry time
17:45 - Close
Optional evening activities can be offered. Invite your guests to a fun evening event. Perhaps have a bonfire or fire pit with toasted marshmallows, board games, ten-pin bowling, or a meal out or a takeaway.
Invite all guests to church on the Sunday. Why not meet up and go together as a small group, and then have coffee or lunch after the service?
ALPHA YOUTH DAY
There are two sessions covered during the Alpha Youth Day:
Session 6: Who is the Holy Spirit?
Break or lunch
Session 7: How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Prayer ministry
Watch the Alpha Youth Day and Prayer Ministry video on MyAlpha with your whole team before the day so they feel prepared. It talks about the key ingredients for the day and looks at how to shape the prayer ministry session, spiritual gifts, and healing.