Alpha in the Workplace

Some people decide to hold a course launch event which aims to raise awareness and attract work colleagues to your course by giving them a brief taste of what Alpha is about. In regular Alpha courses, this event is usually referred to as the ‘Alpha Celebration Supper’. However, this language does not generally appeal to a workplace audience.

A typical Alpha in the Workplace Launch Event could take the form of a meal – either breakfast or lunch – in a private room at a pub, hotel, restaurant, or company meeting room. To cover costs, you might consider asking those bringing guests to pay for their friends, or find an alternative source of funding. It is important that guests are not charged for attending.

The launch talk should be brief (twenty to thirty minutes) and entertaining, and should introduce a gentle challenge for your guests to explore the Christian faith through the next Alpha in the Workplace course. Wherever possible, use a live speaker or, alternatively, show the Alpha introductory talk: ‘Is There More to Life than This?’ on DVD. If it is the Christmas season, the Why Christmas? DVD can also be used.

It is a good idea to select one or two people to give their testimonies. Personal stories, especially from colleagues, can have a strong impact. Consider asking one person who has come to faith on an Alpha course, and one who hasn’t. Choose people who enjoyed the course and who will be enthusiastic about Alpha. Typical questions that the host of the event might ask include:
 

• A few months ago, were you a church-goer at all?
• Tell us what happened
• What difference has Jesus made in your life?
• What would you say to someone who is thinking about coming on Alpha?

After the testimonies and the talk, you may feel that it is appropriate to have a short time of discussion in small groups. This should only be included if you feel that the guests would be comfortable in this situation. The course leader may offer the following two questions for the group to discuss or alternatively choose a different question (we would suggest no more than two minutes be spent on each question):

• If you could eliminate one or two things about the church or Christianity, what would they be?
• If you could keep one or two things about the church or Christianity, what would they be?

(This question allows the discussion to end on a positive note!)

The purpose of this is not so much to have a discussion, but more to demonstrate to guests that nothing is off-limits as far as opinion or conversation is concerned, they will be treated with respect whatever they think; it is a safe, non-judgemental forum to explore Christianity.
It is important that the atmosphere is as informal and relaxed as possible, and that guests enjoy themselves. Whatever kind of event you plan, try to make it warm and professional. At the end, the course administrator or host should offer an open invitation for everyone to attend the first week of your course.