All Shapes and Sizes
People often have questions about the size of an Alpha Course. They will usually be concerned because they think theirs might be too small, as if small meant insignificant.
It is true that Alphas come in all sorts of sizes. Holy Trinity Brompton in London, England usually hosts up to 1200 guests on a typical Alpha. A large course here in Alberta might be a couple of hundred.
I have personally hosted groups up to about 60-70 guests, but I have also hosted much smaller. My smallest was in our home with two guests. One guest was already a Christian and the other became one during the course, so when I tell about this one, with a smile, I claim it to be my most successful Alpha, because 100% of my guests came to faith on that course.
Another point is this: in all my years of running Alpha's, I have found that God Himself seems to bring a balance. Somehow, no matter how uncertain things seemed; Will I have enough leaders? Will anyone come?... things always worked out. There always seemed to be just the right amount of leaders for the number of guests. I'm beginning another course this coming Monday (May 5 - at the Edmonton Christian High School, 14304 - 109 Ave, if you're close and know anyone :>). I have enough team members for 2 groups. We'll see if the Lord brings just enough guests (let's say 12). I'll let you know.(So much for the commercial message; now back to our regular programming.)
Alpha is perfect for a home group. Invite your neighbours to a barbecue; invite your friends from work. Run Alpha in your regular home Bible study and even invite new guests to that.
Alpha can, and has been effective in all sorts of sizes and venues; not only churches but homes, businesses, pubs, coffee shops, tattoo parlours, beauty salons, fitness clubs, even a motorcycle clubhouse.
Remember what Jesus said about 2 or 3 gathering together?
Blessings,
John
It is true that Alphas come in all sorts of sizes. Holy Trinity Brompton in London, England usually hosts up to 1200 guests on a typical Alpha. A large course here in Alberta might be a couple of hundred.
I have personally hosted groups up to about 60-70 guests, but I have also hosted much smaller. My smallest was in our home with two guests. One guest was already a Christian and the other became one during the course, so when I tell about this one, with a smile, I claim it to be my most successful Alpha, because 100% of my guests came to faith on that course.
Another point is this: in all my years of running Alpha's, I have found that God Himself seems to bring a balance. Somehow, no matter how uncertain things seemed; Will I have enough leaders? Will anyone come?... things always worked out. There always seemed to be just the right amount of leaders for the number of guests. I'm beginning another course this coming Monday (May 5 - at the Edmonton Christian High School, 14304 - 109 Ave, if you're close and know anyone :>). I have enough team members for 2 groups. We'll see if the Lord brings just enough guests (let's say 12). I'll let you know.(So much for the commercial message; now back to our regular programming.)
Alpha is perfect for a home group. Invite your neighbours to a barbecue; invite your friends from work. Run Alpha in your regular home Bible study and even invite new guests to that.
Alpha can, and has been effective in all sorts of sizes and venues; not only churches but homes, businesses, pubs, coffee shops, tattoo parlours, beauty salons, fitness clubs, even a motorcycle clubhouse.
Remember what Jesus said about 2 or 3 gathering together?
Blessings,
John
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