How to run Alpha > The ingredientsThe ingredients
Every Alpha session has three key tangible ingredients and three intangible ones - put together they make the experience truly life-giving.
TANGIBLE INGREDIENTS
1. FOOD
There’s something powerful about sharing a meal together. Food breaks the ice, builds friendship, and creates a sense of belonging.
Keep it simple: an easy-to-make meal, a takeaway, or snacks and coffee all work well. The goal is connection, not perfection.
If running Alpha online, encourage guests to bring a coffee, dessert, or snack to the call. It keeps the ‘shared meal’ spirit alive virtually.
2. TALK
Each week features a talk that explores a key aspect of the Christian faith. Talks can be played from the videos or given live and each one builds on the session before. If a guest misses a week, they can catch up through the Alpha App or from a specific video link you can send them available from MyAlpha.
For online sessions, you can share the video via screen share or a link, and choosing the subtitled version improves accessibility.
3. DISCUSSION
This is where something special starts to unfold. After the talk, guests gather in small groups to freely share thoughts and questions. There’s no pressure, no wrong answers, and no expectations. The discussion time is all about listening to guests’ questions and reflections; the teaching is within the talks, not within the discussion time. Remember that we want to win the person, not the argument.
When running Alpha Youth, encourage youth hosts to keep the tone upbeat and supportive. Lots of laughter helps people feel safe to share.
When running online with larger groups, use breakout rooms to allow more intimate discussion and connection, especially for shy participants.
EXTRAS TO CONSIDER
Some Alphas include a short time of worship, but if your guests are new to faith, be sure to say what worship and the role of music at church is, and that joining in is entirely optional. Keep it short and accessible. One or two familiar songs are enough.
And always finish on time so guests feel their time is being respected and know when they can leave.
INTANGIBLE INGREDIENTS
These three unseen ingredients shape the heart of every Alpha experience:
1. LOVE
Alpha is all about sharing God’s love through friendship. As Paul wrote,
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
(1 Thessalonians 2:8)
The greatest thing you can do as a host or helper is to love your guests genuinely by listening, caring, and sharing life with them.
2. LISTEN
Alpha is a space for honest conversation, not for winning arguments or providing perfect answers. The most powerful thing a host can do is listen with empathy and curiosity. We follow Jesus’ discipleship example, who asked more questions than he answered.
“People are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely.”
THOMAS MACAULAY
3. LAUGH
Alpha should be fun! Keep the atmosphere light, natural, and enjoyable. In your first session, use icebreakers to help everyone relax. For example:
A simple name game
“How did you end up coming to Alpha?”
“If there is a God, and you could ask one question, what would it be?”
Laughter breaks down walls and helps guests feel at home. Enjoy the journey together. It’s meant to be low key, relaxed, and full of joy.