THE ALPHA COURSE Alpha.Org Explore the Meaning Lifof E © Alpha International 2010

Explore The Meaning Lifof e TEAM MANUAL

THE ALPHA COURSE alpha.org Explore The Meaning Lifof e © Alpha International 2010

First published 1993 Reprinted fourteen times This new edition 2010 Reprinted in 2011

No part of this manual or any other Alpha International publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder or the expressly authorised agent thereof.

ISBN: 978 1 905887 89 7

Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Publishers, a member of the Hachette Livre UK Group. All rights reserved. ‘NIV’ is a registered trademark of International Bible Society. UK trademark number 1448790.

Published by Alpha International, HTB Brompton Road, London SW7 1JA.

Email: [email protected] CONTENTS

Section 1 Small Group DISCUSSION Suggestions for Small Groups 4 Hosts and Helpers Preparation 5 Session 1 Who Is Jesus? 7 Session 2 Why Did Jesus Die? 9 Session 3 How Can We Have Faith? 11 Session 4 Why and How Do I Pray? 13 Session 5 Why and How Should I Read the Bible? 15 Session 6 How Does God Guide Us? 17 Session 7 Who Is the Holy Spirit? 19 Session 8 What Does the Holy Spirit Do? 21 Session 9 How Can I Be Filled With the Holy Spirit? 23 Session 10 How Can I Resist Evil? 25 Session 11 Why and How Should I Tell Others? 27 Session 12 Does God Heal Today? 29 Session 13 What About the Church 31 Session 14 How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life? 33

Section 2 Team Training Team Training 1 Hosting Small Groups 36 Team Training 2 Pastoral Care 46 Team Training 3 Prayer Ministry on Alpha 54 SECTION 1 small group discussion

SMALL GROUPDISCUSSION DISCUSSION SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

SUGGESTIONS FOR Helpful general questions: SMALL GROUPS How did you respond to tonight’s talk? What did you feel about tonight’s talk? The aim of this manual is to provide you with practical tips and suggestions to What did you think about tonight’s talk? help you host your Alpha small group effectively. Obviously, the discussion Did anything that was said tonight questions will not be necessary if the particularly speak to you or surprise you? conversation arises naturally. You will probably only use one per topic, and What issues were raised for you by hope to let things flow from there. tonight’s talk? The questions are intended to be as Is this a new subject for anyone? open and non-threatening as possible. These are only suggestions, so do use Note: At the end of the course there is an Alpha any method or questions that you find celebration evening, giving people the opportunity to invite potential guests to hear the talk, ‘Is There helpful. More to Life than This?’ There is no small group If you are running Alpha as a discipleship time after the introductory talk. course or if your guests are already Talks 7, 8, 9 and 14 are given on the Alpha Christians, you can also use the weekend. optional Bible studies provided.

4 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION SECTION 1

HOSTS AND HELPERS RUNNING ORDER PREPaRATION SUGGESTIONS • 6.15 pm*: Admin / prayer meeting for • Each job within the team is vitally all hosts and helpers: everyone important. If you are unable to do needs to be clear where their group the job you’ve been given, please let is sitting for both the mealtime and the administrator know as soon as discussion time you can • Remember, you are the hosts! Make • 6.30 pm: When admin/prayer sure newcomers feel welcomed and meeting ends, hosts and helpers go looked after to welcome their guests • When you have finished your discussion, it would be great if you could tidy your group's area • 6.30 – 7 pm: As people arrive, the administrators should allocate them • Please ensure that everyone goes to to a group, and introduce them to a the admin/prayer meeting at the runner who will show them to their start – there are important notices group and helpful reminders given each week. For the first couple of weeks, the meeting will be slightly extended • 6.30 – 7 pm: One leader should stay with the group at all times and the other helpers and leaders can show

5 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

guests where to pick up their meal. • 8.45 pm: Talk ends. Swiftly get into In practice, you may have friends who your small group for the discussion you want to chat to, but your group is time. Allocate the coffee serving to your number one priority. You can one of the helpers catch up with them another time! • 9.30 pm: As the discussion draws to a • 7 pm: Food should be served as close, suggest going on for a drink quickly as possible to avoid long queues and allow people to talk during the mealtime. Money for the Bookshop opens during the mealtime meal can be collected at the serving and small group discussion. point (with a sign, ‘Suggested Donation £4’) * Running times have been given as a guide only

• 7.30 pm: Encourage guests to move their chairs if necessary in order to see the worship leader and speaker

6 Session 1: Icebreakers WHO IS JESUS? • Name Game Explain that this is a silly game – but the PRACTICAL best way for everyone to learn each other’s names at the first session Welcome everyone to the group. To play the name game: Pass an address form around the group - Each person tries to think of an for the guests to fill in. Explain that this adjective that would describe them. form helps administratively, but it’s not It must also have the same first letter as essential if a guest is uncomfortable. their name. For example, ‘Jovial John’ or ‘Happy Helen’ - Each person says what their name is and why. For example, Jovial John is jovial because he has a hearty laugh - Each person has a go at repeating all the names of the guests preceeding them from memory

7 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

• Desert island • If you could ask God one question and Ask guests to respond to the following guarantee an answer, what would question: you ask? - If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to DISCUSSION take with you? 1.Before you heard the talk tonight, or, as an alternative: what was your concept of Jesus? Has it changed? If so, in what way? - If your house was on fire and you could only go back and get one thing, what 2. What aspects of the evidence would you get? presented tonight did you find convincing/not convincing? • What made you decide to do an Alpha 3. Who do you think Jesus is? course? 4. If you had a chance to meet Jesus, Start with someone who is likely to admit how would you feel and what would they are an atheist/agnostic. This gives the you say to him? rest of the group permission to say what they really think. (If you start with someone who turns out to be an enthusiastic Christian already, it may be harder for the others to feel comfortable about being honest about their lack of belief.) Write down the questions so that you can come back to them later in the course

8 Session 2: WHY DID DISCUSSION JESUS DIE? This is often the week when the subject PRACTICAL of ‘suffering’ arises (see Searching Issues, booklet: ‘Why Does God Allow Introduce any new guests. Pass Suffering?’). around the address list. Add any new 1. What is your reaction to the names and addresses and correct any crucifixion? mistakes from the previous week. 2. Do you feel that sin is an outdated concept or is it something you can relate to? 3. How do you respond to the word ‘sin’ and the word ‘forgiveness’? 4. Would you agree that sin is addictive? What do you see as the consequences of sin, if any?

9 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY:

Luke 15:11–24 4. What made him decide to go home? The parable of the prodigal son • Thinks about situation • ‘He came to his senses’ (v.17) 1. Why do you think that the son decided to leave home? 5. What does he decide to do? What was he hoping for? • Act of the will (v.18) • ‘Wild living’ (v.13) • Action (v.20) • ‘Give me’ (v.11) selfishness/sin 6. What does the picture of the father 2. What was life like in the far country? tell us about what God is like? • Wasting his life (v.13) (vv.20–24) • Began to see the need (v.14) • Severe famine (v.14) • Hunger (v.15) • Loneliness (v.15)

3. How does this compare with your experience of life?

10 Session 3: HOW CAN DISCUSSION WE HAVE FAITH? You may find that people have PRACTICAL questions, for example, about other religions (see Searching Issues booklet: Introduce any new guests. Pass around ‘What about Other Religions?’). the address list and amend if needed. 1. What would you write on a form This is a good week to mention the where it asked your religion? Alpha weekend for the first time. Give 2. Do you associate love or fear with the dates to the guests. God? 3. When it is said that Christianity will . make a change in your character, how do you feel? 4. What does the idea of a relationship with God suggest to you? OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY:

11 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY:

1 Peter 1:3–8 5. What do we learn from verse 8 about our relationship with Jesus Christ? 1. What do you think Peter means by • Our love for him ‘new birth’? (v.3) • The joy 2. What does the future hold for Christians? (v.4) (compare hopes of the world)

3. How can we be so sure about the future? • Resurrection • Shielded by God’s power (v.5)

4. In what light should we see our problems? • Relative shortness (v.6) • Their purpose (v.7)

12 Session 4: WHY AND DISCUSSION HOW DO I PRAY? 1. Have you ever tried praying? PRACTICAL What happened? 2. What do you think about the idea of This is a good week to encourage people God answering prayer? about the Alpha weekend. Mention the 3. Can anyone describe a time when a cost and the possibility of bursaries. ‘coincidence’ happened? 4. In the talk, various reasons for praying are given. Which of these do you relate to and why?

13 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Matthew 6:5–13 5. How could you apply the requests The Lord’s Prayer of the Lord’s Prayer more to your 1. Do verses 5–6 suggest that it’s own life? wrong to pray in public? What is Jesus • Need for more structure really getting at? 6. Take time to talk about any answers • Need for sincerity to prayer that you have seen recently.

2. What can you do to reduce the distractions that get in the way of your time alone with God? (v.6) • Need for secrecy

3. What are the differences between pagan and Christian prayer? (v.7)

4. What is the difference between the repetition in prayer that Jesus denounces and the persistence in prayer that he recommends? (v.7) • Need for simplicity

14 Session 5: WHY AND DISCUSSION HOW SHOULD I READ 1. Have you ever read the Bible? THE BIBLE? How did you get on? PRACTICAL 2. Have you ever read a modern translation of the Bible? Remind the group about the Alpha 3. Have you read anything in the Bible weekend. Ask someone who has that has challenged an aspect of your benefited from a previous one to beliefs or behaviour? describe their experience. Take further 4. What do you feel about the names and collect payment. suggestion that the Bible is a ‘manual for life’? 5. ‘What the Scriptures said, God said.’ Do you share that view?

15 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Mark 4:1–8, 13–20 3. What do you think the roots are? The parable of the sower • Roots cannot be seen – the things ‘Parable’: Putting one thing alongside we do in secret, such as Bible another by comparison or illustration reading, prayer, giving, etc.

The hard-hearted (vv.4,15) The half-hearted (vv.7,18)

1. What was the problem? 1. What was the problem?

2. What is the difference between 2. How long did it take for the problem hearing the word and responding? to become apparent?

3. Can you think of a time when you 3. How do we prevent issues such as the read the Bible or listened to a worries of this life, the deceitfulness sermon, but it made little or no of wealth and the desire for other impact on your life? things from choking the word?

The faint-hearted (vv.5–6;16–17) The whole-hearted (vv.8,20)

1. What was the problem? 1. What does God promise to those 2. What sort of things do you think who persevere? Jesus meant by ‘trouble’ and 2. What do you think the crop is? ‘persecution’ (opposition)? 16 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION SESSION 1

Session 6: HOW DOES DISCUSSION GOD GUIDE US? 1. Has anyone had any experience in the PRACTICAL last few weeks that they think might be God guiding them? Arrange transport for the Alpha 2. How do you feel about the idea of God weekend if necessary. having a plan for you? 3. How does God speak to people today? Have you experienced this? 4. What should we do if we believe we have made a mess of our lives?

17 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Proverbs 16:1–9 4. With so much confusion in the world, how do we know that God 1. What conditions does God attach to can handle it? (vv.1,4,9) guiding us? (vv.3,5,7) • God is sovereign • Confide in God • He is in control • No room for pride or independence

• Obedience

2. What promises of success* does he offer? (vv.6b–8)

• Avoidance of evil

• Peaceful life

* Note: not necessarily material success

3. How does this picture compare with your own experience?

18 Session 7: WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

There is no small group discussion following this session.

19 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

20 • Different gifts, works, and service, Session 8: WHAT DOES but same God THE HOLY SPIRIT DO? 5. Why does God give spiritual gifts to BIBLE STUDY AND DISCUSSION people? (v.7) • For the common good 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 • Not for our own glory 1. Has anyone heard of or had any 6. Mention that there may be an experience of spiritual gifts? opportunity in the afternoon to hear 2. What are the spiritual gifts? (vv.8–10) more on this subject Where do these gifts come from? (v.11) [list the gifts and explain them] • The gifts are all from God 3. How do you feel about the idea of God giving us supernatural gifts? 4. Does everybody have the same gifts? (vv.4–6)

21 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

22 SESSION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

Session 9: HOW CAN Usually, before the final session, there is an opportunity to find out how the I BE FILLED WITH THE guests in your groups have found the HOLY SPIRIT? weekend. Ask each member of the PRACTICAL group to describe their experience of the weekend, giving them an opportunity to ask any questions and discuss. This session is followed by a time of ministry in a corporate setting. Spend time praying with any guests who would like prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

23 SESSSECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

24 Session 10: HOW CAN I DISCUSSION RESIST EVIL? 1. Do you believe in the supernatural / PRACTICAL black magic / the occult? 2. Before tonight, did you have a concept Start the small group time by asking of the devil? Has it changed? guests to share their experiences of 3. Why do you think bad things happen? the Alpha weekend. This gives the 4. Why do you think the world is in such guests the opportunity to express what a mess? God has done in their lives. It can be a great encouragement to the group. Remember to include those who did not go on the weekend in the discussion.

25 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Ephesians 3. What do you think the pieces of 6:10–20 The armour of God armour represent? How do we acquire them? 1. What do verses 11 and 12 tell us about the nature of the struggle in • Truth: The Bible – the word of God which we are involved? • Righteousness: Doing what is right / • Subtlety of attack: ‘devil’s schemes’ clear conscience (v.11) • The gospel of peace: Telling others • Power (v.12) • Faith: Opposite of cynicism / • Brutality (v.12) scepticism / doubt, etc.

2. What do you think Paul means by • Helmet of salvation: Knowing in your ‘the day of evil’? (v.13) (Discuss times head that you are saved / assurance of strong attack) • Word of God: Regular Bible reading

• Prayer: Regular prayer and especially for opportunities to tell others (vv.19–20), eg, guest supper!

26 Session 11: WHY AND DISCUSSION HOW SHOULD I TELL 1. If you did not know anything about OTHERS? Christianity, how would you like to be told about it? PRACTICAL 2. Has anyone told their friends / family / colleagues at work that they are If the dates and details of the Alpha doing Alpha? What was their celebration evening do not come up reaction? naturally in the discussion, this is a good time to mention them. Invitation 3. What do you think / feel about the idea of telling others? cards can be handed out, too.

If possible, aim to pray together as a group at the end of this session.

27 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL BIBLE STUDY

John 4:1–26 4. What does he mean by ‘living water’ Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman / ‘springs of water welling up to eternal life’? 1. What do we know about the woman? 5. Why does she start talking about 2. How did Jesus initiate the ‘mountains’? (v.20) conversation / contact? (v.7) 6. What does Jesus do about the red 3. How did Jesus present the gospel? herring? Why did he present it like this to her? (vv.10,13,14) 7. What does it mean to be ‘presented with Jesus’? (v.26)

28 Session 12: DOES GOD If not, ask your guests if there is a specific problem or illness for which HEAL TODAY? they would like prayer for healing. This PRACTICAL is a good time to clear up any general issues about healing, so allow time Remind people about the Alpha for the group to discuss briefly before celebration evening. Try to work out praying together. approximately how many people will be Pray for people according to the coming, including small group members ministry guidelines in this manual. If and any guests they plan to invite. there are lots of people, divide into one DISCUSSION group of men and one group of women. Equally affirm those who do want to be If words of knowledge were given at prayed for and those who do not. the end of the talk, ask if anyone in the group thinks that a word of knowledge may have been appropriate for them.

29 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

30 Session 13: WHAT DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CHURCH? 1. Go round the group, asking each PRACTICAL person to summarise what they have learnt and experienced over the past ten weeks. (Try to start and finish Remind the group about the Alpha with an enthusiastic person!) celebration evening. Try to finalise numbers. 2. Ask the group what they would like to do after Alpha. Try to encourage them Make a date for a small group reunion. to stay connected as a group This would possibly be at the host’s 3. Ask each of them if there is anything house, ideally about two weeks before they would like prayer for the next Alpha course starts. 4. Pray – it’s a good idea to finish the final evening with prayer

31 SECTION 1 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

OPTIONAL Questions for Further Discussion

1. What comes to mind when you hear the word 'church' or 'Christian'?

2. Look back on the last ten weeks. Has your view changed?

3. Looking forwards, in what way (if any) do you plan to continue what you’ve started on this Alpha course?

32 Session 14: HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF THE REST OF MY LIFE? PRACTICAL

Spend time in your small group finding out how guests found the Alpha weekend. Allow guests to share their experiences and ask any questions. At the end, spend some time praying for any guests who wish to receive prayer.

33 SECTION 2 TEAM TRAINING team TRAINING team TRAINING Training 1 HOSTING

HOSTINGs

A p

L L u g r o Training 1 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS

Introduction The six subsidiary aims of the small group: The overall purpose of the small group, along with the course as a whole, is to 1. TO DISCUSS help to bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The model for the Alpha small group is not teacher-pupil, but host-guest. Treat Jesus himself said that where two or the people in your group as if they were three are gathered in his name, he is guests in your own home - with honour, there also (Matthew 18:20). dignity and respect.

• A group size of about twelve is ideal Discuss the talk and issues arising from • Jesus chose a group of twelve the message. It is vital to give people (Matthew 4:18–22) the opportunity to respond to what they • Each small group is made up of two have heard and to ask questions in a hosts, two helpers and approximately safe, non-threatening environment. eight guests 1. Practical details • Arrange the chairs so that guests can see and hear each other • Ensure the host can see everyone • Provide adequate lighting • Check ventilation

38 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS Training 1

• Keeping time – aim to start the 4. Be prepared for questions discussion at 9 pm and end by 9.30 pm* • Resource: Searching Issues by Nicky * Running times have been given as a guide only Gumbel, the seven issues most often raised on Alpha 2. Some groups are ruined by one of two things: ‘People are never so • Weak leadership – not properly prepared, allowing one person do all likely as to settle a the talking question rightly as • Dominant leadership – does all the when they discuss it talking, instead of giving people the freely.’ Thomas Macaulay freedom to speak and to say what is on their mind 2. TO MODEL BIBLE STUDY 3. Ask simple questions With some groups, you may never get • Two basic questions: beyond discussion to Bible study. This - What do you think? applies especially to groups of non- - What do you feel? churchgoers or non-Christians. • Avoid being patronising. Guests may be new to Christianity, but they are If you do study the Bible as a group, not new to life. Treat everyone with the aim is to ask questions that get respect and interest the guests looking at the passage and • Direct questions back to the group: seeing things for themselves. If they ‘What does everyone else think?’ see one thing for themselves from the

39 Training 1 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS

passage, they will probably remember 3. Read passage it for the rest of their lives. Only start a • Explain where it comes in the Bible Bible study if everyone is ready. Always • Read either verse by verse, or ask encourage others to talk, rather than one good reader to read the whole giving a talk. Aim to motivate the group passage. Be sensitive to those who to start to read the Bible alone. might not want to read

1. When you start 4. Give a short introduction • Even if Bible study is planned, give • In a sentence, give the main theme of everyone an opportunity to ask the passage questions arising from hearing the • Explain at once any obviously difficult talk or other questions on their minds or ambiguous words (very little to be gained by asking ‘What does 2. If the group is ready for Bible study, dissimulation mean?’) the host needs to prepare the passage carefully • Avoid (at all times) spiritual clichés, long words and Christian jargon, (For suggested passages, see Section I of this which exclude the non-Christian and manual – but be free to study any passage the new Christian that you feel is appropriate) • Read the passage beforehand (different versions): make sure you understand it • Spot difficult verses: make sure you know answers from a commentary 40 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS TRAINING 1

5. Get people talking • Try not to answer your own questions • Work out your questions carefully yourself! – short and simple (some examples • Do not repeat someone’s comment are set out in Section I) unless it needs alteration. If you - Not too hard cannot answer the question, do not - Not too easy – ‘Who died for us?’ bluff. Admit ignorance and either - Not too vague – ‘What is the difference tackle the question afterwards or between verses 7 and 17?’ make a note and bring the answer • Ask open-ended questions, (‘What?’, next time. Better still; get someone ‘How?’, ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’) instead of else to do it! closed questions (Yes/No answers) 6. Encouraging the group • Aim to bring everyone into the • Smile and look interested discussion. Welcome everyone into the discussion. Encourage • Respond verbally to guests’ contribution from the quieter comments: members of the group - ‘How interesting’ • Basic questions: - ‘I have never heard that before!’ - ‘It might mean that …’ - ‘What does it say?’ - ‘What does it mean?’ - ‘How does it apply?’ • Learn as well as teach. Do not impose your own ideas

41 Training 1 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS

3. TO LEARN TO PRAY • Long eloquent prayers may be TOGETHER impressive, but they discourage others from praying Great sensitivity is required when • Model prayer eg, ‘Father … (short praying together in the small group. sentence) … in Jesus’ name, Amen • One of the hosts or helpers should 1. Opening prayer hold themselves back from praying to • Either by you, or better still, by a remove pressure from any guests member of the group who may not want to pray • To avoid embarrassment: 4. TO DEVELOP LASTING - Put words into their mouth: ‘Will you FRIENDSHIPS WITHIN THE ask God to give us wisdom to BODY OF CHRIST understand this passage …?’ - If asking a member of the group, ask • The main reason why people stay in them beforehand (ie during dinner) so the church that it doesn’t come as a surprise or put • Get to know each person well people off. Say to the group, ‘I have asked [X] to open in prayer’ • Icebreaker games, eg name game (first night) 2. End with prayer (if appropriate) • Act as hosts • Aim to start praying out loud together • Facilitates conversations by session 7 • Continue meeting together after the course is completed

42 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS Training 1

5. TO LEARN TO MINISTER TO ONE ANOTHER

• Praying for each other • Gifts of the Spirit

6. TO TRAIN OTHERS TO HOST

• People progress from guest to helper to host • Delegation without training leads to disappointment (2 Timothy 2:2)

43 TRAINING 1 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS

44 HOSTING SMALL GROUPS TRAINING 1

45 Training 2

PASTORAL CARE CARE Training 2 PASTORAL CARE

INTRODUCTION • Love for others • Skills to be learnt ‘The Bible does nothing ‘We proclaim him, admonishing and but speak of God’s teaching everyone with all wisdom, so love.’ St Augustine that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labour, struggling The Christian faith relies on our with all his energy, which so powerfully relationship with God and our works in me.’ [Colossians 1:28-29] relationships with others. • God’s love for us (Romans 5:5) 1. Aim • Our relationship with God – the 1. Everyone command to love God (Luke 10:27) • Every single person on Alpha should • Our relationship with others – the be looked after command to love one another (Mark 12:31) • Hosts divide up group to take pastoral responsibility for members The most important thing for a guest on • The system must ensure every Alpha is that they experience the love of person is cared for God. This requires from us: • Pray daily for each person • Right motives 2. Spiritual maturity • Integrity of heart • Not just Alpha – it’s a lifelong process

48 PASTORAL CARE Training 2

• Follow up: home group relationship with Jesus • Role in church • Bible study / prayer • Use of gifts • Christian books (see end of each chapter in The Alpha Course Manual) 3. Maturity in Christ • Listen to good Christian teaching • We do not want to attach people to ourselves 3. Encourage them to grow in their • Dependence should not be on us, relationships within the body of but on Christ Christ • Alpha evenings 2. METHOD • Sundays ‘We proclaim him, admonishing and • Telephone/texts teaching everyone with all wisdom …’ • Reunions (Colossians 1:28) • Continue meeting as a group

We grow in maturity as our intimacy 4. General attitude with the Lord and our knowledge of him • Be an encourager grows. - 1Thessalonians 5:11 1. Lead people to Jesus - Expressing warmth and • Resource: Why Jesus? responsiveness - Be positive 2. Encourage them to grow in their

49 Training 2 PASTORAL CARE

• Be a listener (not always a teacher) - Hard work - James 1:19–26 - Effort - Draw people out - Late nights - Listening models respect and gives - Overcoming tiredness people their dignity - Not talking to old friends, • Be a peacemaker but welcoming new people - Matthew 5:9 - Efficiency with jobs - Reconciling differences, relieving - Overcoming disappointment tension and exploring reasons for differences (diplomatically) 2. God’s grace • ‘… with all his energy …’ 3. COMMITMENT (Colossians 1:29) ‘To this end I labour, struggling with all - Be filled with the Spirit – ‘full of faith his energy, which so powerfully works and of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 6:5) in me.’ (Colossians 1:29) - Try to allow the Spirit of God to speak to you during the talks and fill you 1. Our responsibility during worship/ministry • ‘I labour, struggling’ But - Commitment to pray - Then be ready to serve

50 PASTORAL CARE Training 2

• Use every gift: - Evangelism - Teaching - Pastoring - Prophetic – hearing God

51 TRAINING 2 PASTORAL CARE

52 PASTORAL CARE TRAINING 2

53 Training 3 PRAYER MINISTRY PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA Training 3 PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA

INTRODUCTION 1. THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – FIVE VALUES The activity of the Holy Spirit transforms every aspect of the Alpha course. 1. When we ask the Holy Spirit to • The word ‘ministry’ is used in several come, he comes different senses in the New • Get our perspective right (Luke Testament 10:17–20) • Broadly, ‘ministry’ means ‘service’ • The branch must look principally at – includes everything done on Alpha the vine and not at the fruit • Ministry is, ‘Meeting the needs of 2. Because it is his ministry, we aim others on the basis of God’s resources’ (John Wimber) for simplicity and truthfulness in all aspects of our prayers for people • ‘Ministry’ referring to ‘prayer ministry’ – ‘come Holy Spirit’ • Avoid intensity (shouting, religious language, eccentricity) • Cooperation between God and us (Exodus 14:16,21–22) • Be yourself (be normal, natural, pray in your normal voice) • Opportunities for prayer ministry during the course 3. Face the person you are praying for - Alpha weekend (Saturday evening and ask the Holy Spirit to come and Sunday morning) • Welcome him when you see signs of - Healing evening his working and wait on God for further directions

56 PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA Training 3

• Don’t worry about silence • Guilt (Romans 8:1) • Repentance (Psalm 51) 4. Silently ask God what he wants to do or to say … how to encourage and • Fear (Psalm 91) how to impart gifts • Guidance (Psalm 37:5) • Prophecy is always strengthening, • Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) encouraging, comforting (1 • Anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7) Corinthians 14:3) 3. Say how you are going to pray and 5. Ask what is happening encourage faith in a particular • ‘What do you sense is happening?’ promise of God • ‘Do you sense God saying something? • Hold on to God’s promises. One aspect of faith is the finding of a promise of 2. BIBLICAL AUTHORITY God and daring to believe it!

1. The Spirit of God and the written word of God never conflict • The truth sets us free (John 8:32) • Paul’s prayer – Ephesians 3:17-19

2. Build on biblical truths and promises, eg:

57 Training 3 PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA

3. THE DIGNITY OF THE - ‘I could never speak in another INDIVIDUAL language’ 1 Corinthians 14:2,4,14; Matthew 7:11 • Confidentiality is essential - If a guest wants to receive, encourage • Pray for people in relaxed the person to start to speak in surroundings (either on your own or another language – tell him/her you in pairs) will do so also • Men pray with men, women pray with women 4. HARMONIOUS • Respect privacy RELATIONSHIPS • Affirm – do not condemn • Faith - do not place additional ‘May they be brought to complete unity burdens on people to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have • Allow them freedom to come back! loved me.’ (John 17:23) • Take time to sort out difficulties of understanding, belief, and assurance 1. Unity comes from the Holy Spirit • Lead to Christ (resource: Why Jesus?) • Lack of unity, love and forgiveness • Fullness of the Spirit hinders the work of the Spirit - ‘Am I ready?’ • One person should take a lead in - ‘I am unworthy’ praying for others rather than compete with conflicting prayers

58 PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA Training 3

5. THE BODY OF CHRIST

1. The Christian community is the place where long-term healing and spiritual growth take place under the protective umbrella of the authority of a church • Allow people to move at their own pace, remembering that it is a process

2. Keep in touch • Warn against possible increased temptation • Refuse to consider that ‘nothing has happened’ • Ephesians 5:18 – go on being filled with the Spirit

59 TRAINING 3 PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA

60 PRAYER MINISTRY ON ALPHA TRAINING 3

61 The Alpha Course Alpha Team Manual

Team training is vital to the success of an Alpha course.

This manual is for all hosts and helpers on the course. It includes suggested questions for small group discussion each week with optional Bible studies.

It also contains notes to go with the three Alpha Team Training sessions:

• Hosting Small Groups

• Pastoral Care

• Prayer Ministry on Alpha

A DVD set is available to accompany this guide.

ISBN 978-1905887897 alpha.org ISBN 978 1 905887 89 7