Alpha in the Workplace

Come and find out how to run an Alpha course for your colleagues!

Alpha in the Workplace is a great tool for sharing your faith at work, whether that be in your lunch hour, for an hour after work, in the board room or in a social setting… there's so much that can be done.

With an international line up of speakers with huge expertise in this field, including Mark Greene and Shaila Visser, it’s set to be a great event.

To sign up go to http://www.htb.org.uk/events/alpha-workplace or email workplace@alpha.org for further info.

Click here to download the seven steps to running a course for your workplace.

Alpha in the Workplace uses the same content as the Alpha course, however there are a few key differences

Timing

Alpha in the Workplace meetings are usually shorter than church-based sessions due to time constraints. Groups often meet
before or after work, or during the lunch break.

Format

The Alpha talks are shortened if the meeting time is less than 1 hour and 15 minutes. In addition, there is no worship during Alpha in the Workplace, with the exception of the Weekend/Day Away.

Team roles

The roles of the Alpha in the Workplace team are defined slightly differently. See Team roles for more detailed information.

Additional resources

The book 'Alpha – Questions of Life' is given to each guest.

Integration

Because there is less time to get to know guests socially, Alpha in the Workplace teams usually need to make a special effort to build relationships and be more proactive in integrating guests into a local church.

Location

Determining a location for your course may require permission from someone in a position of authority at your place of work.

Advisers

Click here for your nearest adviser.

Resources

Click here for alpha in the workplace publications.

Endorsements

'We have seen people come to faith on virtually every course we've run over the last four years. Alpha has brought growth to the workplace fellowship and many people have been envisioned to take the course to their future places of work.'

Oliver Brown, Basildon, United Kingdom Project Analyst

'The Alpha course is an excellent way to introduce the Christian faith to work colleagues. It is non-threatening, but clearly gets the issues of truth on the table.'

David C. Bentall, Vancouver, Canada
Personal Life Coach, Family Business Consultant, and Founder of Next Step Advisors

'I have no hesitation in recommending the Alpha course for companies, because staff are blessed as a result, as are their families and business contacts. So often we are asked, "When will you start the next one?" even before the course ends.'

Robert Tsoi, Hong Kong
General Manager-Central Functions Construction Department, Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited

'Alpha in the Workplace is the most effective method for reaching out to other business leaders in my city. I have personally seen many colleagues come to a faith in Christ through participating in the Alpha course in my boardroom.'

John D.L. Mackay, Canada
President, Strand Corporation

FAQ's

How do I get permission to run this at my place of work?

Ensure that you communicate to those in charge that this course is open to everyone at your place of work, regardless of faith background. Let them know that you are not asking for them to endorse the course, but would like permission to use the facilities and perhaps advertise. It is helpful to explain that this is an open discussion on Jesus (or faith) from a Christian perspective. If you work in a government office, please ensure that you know the laws relating to a faith-based group meeting on the premises.

How do we know where to stop the video?

We have provided a timing sheet to indicate where to cut off the videos if you only have an hour. See Video cut-off points

What if we have less than an hour?

We recommend using a live speaker who is very familiar with the Alpha material and has attended an Alpha conference. It is not recommended that you try to run Alpha in the Workplace in under 45 minutes.

Can people in different positions within the workplace take the course together?

Yes, but you should evaluate this on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your cultural context this may or may not work. If guests are in different places professionally, this could impair the participants’ openness within the group. Use your best judgment when inviting colleagues, in order to create a good environment for discussion.

Can you offer a course for mixed groups?

We have run courses for men, women and mixed groups. They are equally successful.

Where can we find prayer support for our Alpha group?

Prayer partners can often be found amongst Christian work colleagues, your church or organised prayer groups. Many men and women desire to be used in ministry and this is an excellent way to partner with them.

Can new guests join the course at any time?

We strongly recommend that no newcomers be introduced to the course after week four. People who show interest after that point should be encouraged to join the next course. It is key that a feeling of group unity, intimacy, trust and friendship be allowed to develop within the small groups. This is hindered if new people join throughout the course.

Why is the Alpha Weekend/Day Away so important?

There is a strong emphasis in the Alpha course on building relationships. Taking time to go away somewhere for a weekend or day, as a group, is an excellent way of cementing these friendships. Secondly, the aim of the Alpha Weekend/Day Away is to provide teaching about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, as well as the opportunity for individual ministry for the guests. This teaching is vital to the course and should not be missed. Frequently guests tell us that the Weekend/Day Away was the highlight of the course.

Contact Us

Alpha in the Workplace
Alpha International
Holy Trinity Brompton
Brompton Rd
London SW7 1JA
United Kingdom

Email: workplace@alpha.org
Telephone: 0845 644 7544