Alpha Weekend Wisdom

Do you have any Alpha Weekend Wisdom to pass on? Please pass your thoughts along using this Form.

Thank you to Don Pieper, Sugarland Vineyard church, Sugarland, Texas

Be naturally supernatural
The attitude and position of the Leaders should be relaxed.  Why? Because God is in control and He does not need us to work anything up with a religious mood. It is not uncommon to have a joke before praying for the Spirit to come and fill us. It breaks any religiousness and allows for those being filled to look back and say “There was nothing manipulative about that moment.”

Live talks
This is not always possible, but when it is, the interaction and laughter make it very natural transition into the prayer time.

Relational activities 
Ice breakers, team contests, bonfires, outdoor games, indoor games, snacks, drinks, and the freedom to participate as one would like. Find someone who is gifted in this area and let them coordinate it.

Ice breaker suggestion: Human Bingo (this is in Word format, so you can alter and change the wording as you see fit.)
 
Non–religious conversations
Guests need to see that we are normal human beings with real life issues. Many folks coming to the retreat will be suspicious and have their guard up against anything strange. Helping them to relax is important and non-religious conversations will facilitate this.

Leaders and Helpers pray for the guests
All of us can pray! This is not only theologically accurate, but practical. Keep the focus on Jesus not on the person doing the talks.  The Weekend is an excellent environment for training new Leaders and Helpers.

Facilities and food
Have the food be an asset not a distraction. Strive for excellence in this area. Many people perceive that the church is a place with weak coffee and stale cookies.  We can have a big impact by simply making sure the setting and food are excellent.

Set the agenda, hand it out, and stick to it
People prefer knowing what to expect.  A schedule helps people to relax and be prepare mentally for what is coming next.

Take pictures or video
These help to capture the special moments of the Weekend. Be sure to inform them that someone will be taking pictures and ensure that everyone is comfortable with this. The photos or videos can be shown at the Celebration Supper or to promote the next course at church. 

Capture random smiling faces, people laughing and playing together.  Steer away from pictures of the prayer time.  It could serve as a barrier to someone coming on the Weekend in the future.