The Alpha Weekend/Day is an opportunity for guests to have the unhurried time, space, and environment needed to process and reflect on what they have been learning. It's a time for fun, free time, and making friends!
✅ We don’t call it the “Holy Spirit Weekend” because this does not accurately reflect the full scope and purpose (and it sounds intimidating and intense to guests!). The Alpha Weekend/Day is about connection, fun, making friends, and experiencing God's love (from head knowledge to heart). It's better to refer to it as the Alpha Weekend, Alpha Gathering, Alpha Saturday, or Alpha Retreat (The Run Alpha Handbook, p. 35). 😃
This retreat takes place right after week 7 about God's guidance (after week 5 for Alpha Youth). It's on the Alpha Weekend that relationships are deepened, the videos focus on the Holy Spirit, and lives are impacted by specific times of prayer. (See typical schedule here.)
Ideally, we want to show the videos about the Holy Spirit before the video about evil. This sequence is strategic as we want Alpha guests to feel confident in the power and protection of God before learning about Satan and spiritual warfare.
Even before your Alpha begins, note the date for your Alpha Weekend/Day and decide if you'll do a one-day, overnight, or full weekend retreat. Then reserve the retreat centre, cabin, or church room asap! (See the planning checklist here.)
✅ If your Alpha Weekend/Day is later than the recommended schedule, you could show the first Holy Spirit video during a regular session. Then show the rest of the videos on the Weekend/Day. Need help? Chat with an Alpha Coach!
Typically, the Alpha weekend is held over three days (Friday to Sunday) with four videos (see sample schedule here). The Alpha Day for Youth is usually one day with three videos.
Some Alpha groups choose to host an Alpha Saturday instead (10 am –3 pm) or a Friday night and Saturday. See sample schedules below. Provide opportunities for laughter, connection, and prayer ministry.
✅ If you do a one-day retreat (Alpha Saturday), you may want to show three videos instead of the usual four so it's not so video-intensive. Then add an extra week to your Alpha to show the fourth video!
TRAINING VIDEOS
Watch and discuss the Team Training videos in MyAlpha > Series Materials with your whole team.
👍 IDEA: Some groups have an Alpha Team "mini-retreat" before the Alpha Weekend/Day. Team Leaders can meet together a couple of hours before guests arrive, or gather online the day before, etc. It's a time of listening prayer and team building.
TEAM GUIDE
Read through the Alpha Team Guide for 3 keys to praying with guests and for a list of Bible verses that you can use to pray with guests (p. 23).
For youth, see the Youth Discussion Guide (pp. 9-10).
PLANNING CHECKLIST
Download the Weekend Planning & Prep checklist. See ideas below for activities during free time.
For Youth, download the Party Pack Design Files in the "Promote/Print Assets" section!
INTAKE FORM
Use the Alpha Weekend Intake Form to customize your own digital or print form.
🎯 Download our NEW Alpha Weekend (and Alpha Day) roller banner images, social media post images, and slides for screens. All free in the "Promote" section under "Latest Promo Resources."
The Alpha Team Guide and handbook provide general guidance about promoting your Alpha weekend. Here are some key points:
- Swap spaces with a local church for a different atmosphere.
- Go to a friend's house if they have a large living room or lounge space.
- Book an Airbnb log cabin, beach house, or country villa.
- See if your local community centre has a private room to rent (for Alpha Day).
- Book a retreat centre nearby—close enough for guests to drive back & forth if they can't stay overnight.
- Check with local camps, universities, and Bible colleges; some rent out their cabins or dorms in the off-season.
- Ask your Alpha leaders if someone has a condo amenity room to rent out for an Alpha Day.
- Organize friendly group games like soccer, football, badminton, etc.
- Provide a Prayer Box where guests can write down their prayer requests.
- Share a guided meditation app (eg. Cultivate Connection).
- Print & share the Father's Love Letter or the Lord's Prayer.
- Arrange Board Games, Puzzles, Charades, or a Scavenger Hunt.
- Encourage guests to read Psalm 23 and write their own prayer to God.
- Provide optional workshops (how to read the Bible, using Bible apps).
- Have a staff member give guests a tour of the church!
- Use the attached Signature Bingo sheet to play a group game.
(Ideas submitted by churches across Canada)
Please log in to MyAlpha to see more Alpha Weekend resources.
If you have questions about your Alpha Day or Weekend, or need help with dates or schedules, our Alpha Coaches would be happy to help you! Book a call here: alphacanada.org/coaching
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