Find out a bit more about Alpha and how their resources can be used in a BB setting

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome. Over 30 million people have taken part throughout Alpha’s history.

Firstly… A chance to connect

Usually, Alpha starts with a meal together if in person or pouring yourself a cuppa if it’s online, followed by a chance to meet new people and connect! Of course, within BB that will look slightly different.

The Alpha Youth Series has been developed to help young people explore life, faith and meaning. It is ideal to use with the Company and Seniors age groups, including those with no Christian or Church background.

Next up… Watch an episode

The Alpha Youth Series episodes are designed to engage and inspire conversation. They are videos created by young people for young people.

Each one is broken into three sections and each week there is the opportunity to explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as “Who is Jesus?”, “How can we have faith?” and “How does God guide us?”.

And finally…Space to share your thoughts

Probably the most important part of any Alpha session is that there is the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group.

There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say (seriously!). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

Alpha and The Boys’ Brigade

Alpha can be used within The Boys’ Brigade in a few different ways. My first involvement with the Brigade came about five years ago when I had just started in my role as Director for Alpha in Scotland and we started to explore how Alpha could be used for faith development within Companies, how it could link to Company and Seniors programmes and Major Awards.

Alpha is an amazing opportunity for people to come along to explore the questions that we all have and can be an amazing way of connecting with some young people outside of our current contacts. Running a course on a separate evening hosted and led by your young people could be game changing for your Company!

Wouldn’t we love to meet some new young people and also give some new leadership opportunities for our young people? Alpha is the tool for just that. Everything is free and ready for you to use even down to the all the promotional materials. It’s so simple, powerful and ready to use.

Rev Dez Johnston
Director of Alpha Scotland

Find out more and get started at:
alpha.org/try-alpha

Tips for using the Alpha Youth Series in your Company

1. Consider when you run your sessions

Think about whether Alpha will form a part of your regular programme or be run as standalone sessions. Could it be run in partnership with your Church and involving your Chaplain?

2. Decide where you will meet

Ensure that the meeting space that you use is informal and relaxed – it shouldn’t feel like a school lesson. Many Alpha sessions include food, so why not order in some pizza or prepare a meal for the group to share?

3. Be prepared

Ensure you have an adequate setup to show the videos. You will likely need a projector / large screen, laptop and speakers. Downloading the videos in advance is recommended – you can do this via the Run Alpha website at run.alpha.org.uk

4. Be flexible

The series is designed to be flexible rather than prescriptive, meaning you can cover as little or as much as you like at one time and won’t need to cut short interesting discussions.

5. Ensure discussions are youth-led

Although a leader may facilitate discussions with questions, allow the young people to discuss and share thoughts with each other. They can say as little or as much as they like, remembering that there is no obligation to say anything. You will know your young people best!

6. Link to the Company and Seniors programmes

Think about links to the Get into the Bible Activity Area, as well as how the series could meet the ‘Faith Journey’ element of our Major Awards.