Alpha Online
Engage with people who wouldn’t usually come to church – online.
Alpha online uses the same content as the in-person Alpha, the only difference is that it is hosted over the digital space. Each session features a talk and small group discussions, with the option of sharing a virtual meal with guests or some ice-breaker games before the talk. Alpha online allows churches, organisations and individuals to take evangelism into a new space – the digital space, with intentions to reach further and wider.
The three ingredients of Alpha
Connect
Whether in person over a hearty meal or virtually with a cup of coffee in hand, every Alpha session starts with a time to connect with one another, relax and build friendships.
Having food and fun together every week creates a space and culture for people to connect and share life on a deeper level.
Content
The Alpha talks are designed to engage people from all walks of life and inspire conversation.
Explore the big questions of life, unpack the basics of the Christian faith, and address questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?” and “How does God guide us?”
Conversation
One of the most important part of Alpha: the chance to share your opinion, and discuss in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you cannot say.
It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
The Online Experience
Miles Toulmin, Senior Pastor of Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang and Executive Director of Alpha Asia Pacific, shares the 5 Rs of why we run Alpha online and the 4 Ss on how to better facilitate a small group discussion online.
1. Reach
Alpha online enables you to reach more people outside the church who would not necessarily be able to attend an in-person Alpha.
2. Retention
Guests are more likely to come back and show up more consistently for sessions online since it is more convenient. Individuals are also more open and vulnerable with sharing which is great for building relationships.
3. Registration rate
More people are willing to register for the Weekend Away online since it is so convenient to attend online.
4. Results
It works! And it works well.
5. Release Leaders
Individuals who find it difficult to serve on an in-person Alpha might be better able to serve on an online session. Activate the digital disciples in your church.
1. Smaller
Make the group a bit smaller to make it easier to facilitate online.
2. Shorter
Discussion time has to be a bit shorter to keep people engaged.
3. Stronger
Hosts and Helpers are encouraged to be a bit more directive when facilitating the discussion instead of waiting on guests to respond.
4. Savvy
Leverage on the technology. Make use of the features on your video conferencing platform to engage your guests through other means.
Training
Looking to start running Alpha online? Contact us to find out more about how we can support you in getting started. Get in touch with Alpha Singapore or look for your local Alpha office website for more information on training in your area.
Precautionary Measures
In addition to adhering to locally recommended health guidelines, we also want all our Alpha courses online to be safe places where communities can have interactive sessions allowing guests to explore their questions about life, faith and God in a welcoming and judgement-free environment. Please see some of our recommendations:
Alpha and Alpha for Youth are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure our ministry is E-Safety aware and competent. Please see more information here.
E-safety & Security
If you are running Alpha or Alpha Youth online, please take all the necessary steps to ensure you as the church or ministry are E-Safety aware and competent.
Protection of Vulnerable Peoples
E-Safety is the collective term for safeguarding (protecting vulnerable individuals) involving the use of mobile phones, computers (including laptops, netbooks, tablets) and games consoles, to communicate and access the internet, emails, text messages, instant messaging, social networking sites and other social media.
Maintain a Safe Environment
It is important for all churches/organisations, administrators, hosts, and helpers to be diligent in keeping a safe online environment. For a full list of Do’s, Don’ts, and more information on this topic, please click here.
Digital Solutions
If churches are not able to run an Alpha course in-person, we recommend moving Alpha online! We firmly believe that as churches innovate in these unforeseen circumstances, God can reach an even greater number of people.
1. Find an Online Solution
There are many great solutions online that will allow churches to play a video and have discussions. While we recommend Zoom as our preferred service platform, we’re excited to announce that we will be launching Alpha Now in 2022 – our very own video conferencing platform that will be integrated with MyAlpha for a unique Alpha online experience!
