How to run Alpha  >  Running order

Running order

What does an Alpha session actually look like in action?

The Alpha talks are available in a few different series, such as the Alpha Film Series, Alpha Youth Series, Alpha Youth Series: Schools Edition, and Chinese Alpha Film Series.

Preview the different Alpha series

Here’s a suggested flow for a typical session, designed to help guests feel relaxed, welcomed, and valued from start to finish.

ALPHA FILM SERIES

18:00 – 18:30 / Prayer and briefing

Gather your team of hosts and helpers before guests arrive.
Pray together, share any updates, and make sure everyone knows their role and seating area for the evening.
This short moment of unity sets the tone for everything that follows.

18:30 – 19:00 / Welcome guests

As guests arrive, greet them warmly and introduce them to others. Keep the conversation light. This isn’t the time for deep theological debates!
If you have lots of guests, consider assigning guests to a small group and a ‘runner’ to guide them to the right table or area.
Remember: Your group is your priority. Be fully present with them from the moment they walk in.

19:00 - 19:30 / Food and conversation

Serve food promptly to avoid queues and give guests plenty of time to chat around the table.
Keep it simple. The goal is connection, not catering perfection.
If you’re collecting donations for the meal, set up a small ‘Suggested Donation’ sign to keep things easy and optional.

19:30 – 19:45 / Welcome and notices

After the meal, gather everyone for a short welcome.
Share a few friendly announcements, introduce the evening’s topic, and hand over to the worship leader (if you have one).
Keep it short, natural, and upbeat.

19:45 – 20:15 / Video

Play or present the Alpha talk. Each one is designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
Talks usually last around 25-30 minutes.

20:15 – 21:00 / Small group discussion

Move straight into groups for discussion.
Serve coffee or tea during this time, but keep things flowing naturally.
This is where guests get to ask questions, share their perspectives, and process what they’ve heard.

21:15 / Finish on time

End on schedule so guests know what to expect and feel respected.
As you wrap up, invite anyone interested to continue chatting elsewhere or to return next week.
A consistent, thoughtful ending builds trust.

ALPHA YOUTH SERIES

EVENING SESSION (2 HOURS)

Prep time

1 hour before: Set up
30 mins before: Brief team meeting and prayer time

Alpha begins

10 min: Guests arrive and mingle
30 min: Food
10 min: Ice breaker game/welcome/skit/video*
40 min: Episode and discussion
10 min: Extra small group discussion
20 min: Post-session mingle time with optional games/snacks/dessert

Alpha ends

15 min: Debrief with Alpha team

*If you decide to do a time of worship, include it before the Alpha talk and discussion.

SCHOOL LUNCH CLUB
(30 MINS)

Running Alpha Youth as a lunchtime club is a brilliant way to build connections and spark meaningful conversations with young people. Lunchtimes are short, typically just 30 to 45 minutes, so don’t try to squeeze in too much content.

Prioritise consistent connection and meaningful conversation instead. If you’re short on time, feel free to spread one session over two weeks.

12:05 - Students arrive and connection time
12:15 - Episode
12:25 - Discussion
12:35 - Session ends

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB
(45 MINS)

This setting gives you the time and space to run the full Alpha Youth session, with food, games, the full video, and meaningful small group discussion. Without the time pressure of a school day, young people can relax, engage more deeply, and build stronger connections with each other and the team.

15:00 - Students arrive and grab snacks
15:03 - Welcome
15:05 - Episode and discussion
15:40 - Hangout
15:45 - Session ends

SCHOOL CURRICULUM-BASED APPROACH
(45 MINS)

Running Alpha Youth as part of the school curriculum presents unique opportunities and challenges. Unlike traditional Alpha, participation in a curriculum setting is mandatory, and the classroom setting impacts discussion dynamics.

12:00 - Welcome
12:03 - Icebreaker
12:10 - Episode and discussion
12:45 - Session ends