Dave Olson: An Alpha Advisor Story

Dave Olson, an Alpha Advisor in the Twin Cities, reflects on his experience helping a local church launch Alpha for the first time.

The first time I met with the Alpha team I advise, they had many questions about Alpha and how the philosophy of Alpha could have impact on their church and community. We had a meal together, talked a lot during the meal and then watched the leadership training DVD on small groups. Afterwards, we had a long discussion about the team's impressions. They had questions of the goals and philosophy of Alpha that we examined pretty well.

Two weeks later, I returned for a second evening with the team. Without being asked, they had set up an area to look like an Alpha preview dinner. They pushed rectangular tables together to seat 12 people. White tablecloths covered the table, and a red runner went the length of the table to cover the gap. There were lighted candles, fresh flowers and china dinner service. Two members of the team had prepared food - a nice salad, fresh baked rolls, and a nice beef and rice dish. They served a great dessert. My reaction when I walked in was "WOW," just the reaction we want from the guests. Clearly, they really GOT it. During the evening I worked to defer Alpha questions until later and kept modeling the importance of getting to know the team on a personal level during the meal.

We watched the second Alpha training video on pastoral care, and then gathered again for extended discussion. They grew more cohesive and had really come to understand more about the Alpha philosophy. Their questions were sophisticated and guest-oriented. Since we had just heard Nicky talk about pastoral care, I kept reinforcing the point that we need to do everything for the guests and that we really are to have a heart of service and love toward them. At the end we broke into groups of four and prayed together, not for one another, but a popcorn style prayer that was, in my group, focused on uplifting the upcoming course and the guests who would arrive.