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AlphaOnlineHost Notes

Is there more tolife than this?SESSION01HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers Introduce guests to Alpha. What is it?Who is it for? How long does it last?What’s the format?Icebreaker ideasDesert Island Gamefrom others; it’s more about getting to“If you were stuck on a desert islandand you could take one thing (not aperson) with you, and you already havethe Bible and the complete works ofShakespeare, what would you take?”know each other. In future weeks we’llStuck elevator Try to always finish on time Remember that the first session is differenthave more discussion about the session’stalk“Which person from history would youmost like to be stuck in an elevator with,and why?”Discussion questions1. Start by getting to know each other – Try an icebreaker or get-to-know-yougame (ideas above!)2. How and why did you end up coming here today? – Try to draw more out ofguests if they are a bit hesitant. Start with the guest you think is most reluctantabout trying Alpha to encourage other guests to open up3. If it turned out that God existed and you could ask one question, whatwould it be?What’s So Amazing About Grace? – PhilipYanceyReadingRecommendedDon’t forgetThe Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story ofHomecoming – Henri J. M. NouwenSearching Issues: Does Religion Do MoreHarm Than Good? – Nicky GumbelWe hope you enjoyed this evening, it’sa bit different from other weeks. If you’refeeling a bit frustrated, don’t worry – therewill be lots more time for discussion nextweek. Next session’s talk: Who is Jesus?

Who isJesus?SESSION02HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers The small group works best if everyone has the chance to participate. Explain how it shouldwork and that there’s no pressure to talk, but that everyone should feel able Ask each person to introduce themselves briefly and welcome new guests Try to always finish on timeKey conceptUnderstanding the evidence regardingthe historical claims of Jesus Christ.Guests come to Alpha with a variety ofideas about Jesus. Many of their viewswould fall into the “folklore/legend”category. Others would see Jesus as awonderful man, great moral teacher,or religious leader. There are some whoreally have no idea about Jesus. Thegoal this week is to get their ideas onthe table and begin to help them sortout the evidence that either questionsor confirms their assumptions.Discussions around Jesus that maysurface include: Was Jesus a real,historical person? Was He more than awonderful man? Was He more than agreat moral teacher or religious leader?Discussion questions1. Introduce any new guests tothe group – ask new people tosay their name and how theycame to be here2. What makes you happy?3. What do you think aboutJesus?4. If you had a chance to meetJesus, how would you feel andwhat would you say to Him?Additional questions (if needed) Before tonight, what wasyour concept of Jesus? Has itchanged? If so, in what way? What aspects of the evidencepresented tonight did you findReadingRecommendedconvincing/not convincingMere Christianity – C. S. LewisJesus Is . – Judah SmithDon’t forgetOrthodoxy – G. K. ChestertonNext session’s talk: Why did Jesus die?

Why didJesus die?SESSION03HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers Welcome any new guests. Introduceeveryone and remind guests that smallgroups are at the heart of Alpha Mention the Weekend Away or AlphaDay Suffering and other religions are issuesthat frequently come up in this sessionKey conceptIf we are honest, we all have to admitthat we do things we know are wrong.This week we are looking at the problemof sin, God’s solution, and the result ofJesus’ death. We may have heard thatJesus died on the cross, but we are leftasking the question, “Why did He die?”Does Jesus’ death really have relevanceto our lives today? Why are we so goodat rationalizing our mistakes and feelingsuperior to others?Really listen for what the guests have tosay around this pivotal week of Alpha.Discussion questionsAdditional questions (if needed)1. What does the word ‘forgiveness’ What does the word ‘sin’ mean tomean to you?2. Have you ever had to forgiveanyone? How did you do it?you? What is your reaction to Jesus’death?3. Has anyone ever forgiven you?4. What do you think about the ideaof God’s forgiveness?The Cross of Christ – John StottReadingRecommendedDon’t forgetSearching Issues: Why Does God AllowSuffering? – Nicky GumbelMud, Sweat and Tears – Bear GryllsWhy Jesus? – Nicky GumbelNext session’s talk:How can I have faith?

How canI have faith?SESSION04HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers Remind the group about the AlphaWeekend or Alpha Day Last week’s talk was, Why did Jesus die?Share the video link with anyone whomissed itKey conceptThis week we are looking at the evidencefor believing in Christianity. The messagetakes the perspective of a person whohas decided to believe the claims ofChristianity. How can that person makesure they have made the right decision?Many will still be exploring faith socontinue to let them ask questions and letthe group respond. Encourage them toconsider what obstacles might keep themfrom having faith.Discussion questions1. What does faith mean to you?2. Is faith a blind leap or something more substantial?3. What do you think about the evidence of Christianity that was presented?4. How can a person have faith in something she or he can’t see?Searching Issues: Is Faith Irrational? –Nicky GumbelReadingRecommendedDon’t forgetThe Reason for God – Tim KellerThe Hiding Place – Corrie Ten BoomNext session’s talk:Why and how should I pray?

Why and howshould I pray?SESSION05HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers Encourage guests to book the Weekend Away or Alpha Day in their diaries Last session’s talk was, How can I have faith? Share the video link with anyonewho missed itKey conceptPrayer is at the heart of Christianity:because at the heart of Christianity is arelationship with God.Surveys indicate that most peoplepray. Even people who don’t considerthemselves religious find themselvespraying from time to time. Where do wetake our fears and anxieties? Sometimesour worries seem like they are going tocrush us. Other times we experience acalm we can’t explain, but it doesn’tlast. Is there something/ someonebigger we can trust? Still these questionsmay remain: If God knows our needs,why should we pray about them? Whatis the value of prayer? Take time tointroduce prayer this week at the end ofthe small group time.Discussion questions1. Have you ever tried praying?What was it like? Whathappened?2. What do you think about theidea of God answering prayer?3. Have you ever experienced acoincidence happening afterprayer?4. Finish with a short prayer (ifappropriate)Additional questions (if needed) In the talk, various reasons forpraying are given. Which ofReadingRecommendedthese do you relate to and why?God on Mute – Pete GreigToo Busy Not to Pray – Bill HybelsDon’t forgetNext session’s talk:Why and how should I read the Bible?

Why and how shouldI read the Bible?SESSION06HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers Encourage guests to book the WeekendAway or Alpha Day in their diaries Last session’s talk was, Why and how doI pray? Share the video link with anyonewho missed itKey conceptThe Bible is one way God can speak to us.This week we will look at how to read theBible. Encourage the guests to get a Biblein a version that they can understand.Remember that when a guest hearsGod for themselves in the Bible, they willremember it more than if we talk abouthow we hear God.Discussion questionsAdditional questions (if needed)1. Has anyone ever read any of the Does anyone have any practicalBible? What was your experience?2. How do you feel about the idea ofGod speaking through the Bible?3. Have you read anything in thesuggestions about how to read theBible? At an appropriate point indiscussion, you might recommendthe Bible in One Year app:bibleinoneyear.orgBible that has challenged anaspect of your beliefs or behavior?Why Trust the Bible? – Amy Orr-EwingReadingRecommendedDon’t forget30 Days – Nicky GumbelThe Bible, The Message versionBible in One Year App – Nicky Gumbel,available at: bibleinoneyear.orgNext session’s talk:How does God guide us?

How does Godguide us?SESSION07HOST NOTESIntroduction pointers Encourage guests to book the WeekendAway or Alpha Day in their diaries Last session’s talk was, Why and howshould I read the Bible? Share the link withanyone who missed itKey conceptToday we want to discuss the idea thatGod has a plan for our lives.Be attentive to the creative ways He hasrevealed His plan to your guests. Try tocreate ways for people who feel like theyhave “messed up” in life to see that Godis the God of the second, third, fourthchance.Discussion questions1. What are the ways that God mayspeak to people today? Have youever experienced this?2. What should we do if we believeAdditional questions (if needed) What is a risk you could take tomake yourself a better person ormake the world a better place?we have made a mess of ourEncourage guests that many timeslives?God may be speaking to them3. In the last few weeks has anyonehad a sense that God might havebeen guiding them?through these desires What should we do if we believewe have made a mess of our lives?4. What are the ways that God mayspeak to people today? Have youever experienced this?ReadingRecommendedDon’t forgetListening to God – Joyce HuggettChasing the Dragon – Jackie PullingerThe next session is theAlpha Weekend or Day

Alpha Dayor WeekendSESSIONS08–09HOST NOTESSESSION 8Who is the Holy Spirit?There is no small group discussion following this session.Encourage guests that this is a longer session and that the discussion time will followthe talk on “What does the Holy Spirit Do?” Focus on relationships and enjoy spendingtime with each other. So, relax and enjoy yourself. Have fun!SESSION 9What does the Holy Spirit do?Key ConceptThe Holy Spirit does a variety of thingsincluding giving new life, a newfoundsense of family and unity, and new powerto follow Christ. The Holy Spirit not onlytransforms our character, but gives us theability to be a blessing to others as well.Take time to discuss some of the spiritualgifts that will be mentioned in the nexttalk. Many people may have never hada chance to talk about these things, soencourage them to keep an open mindand focus on how these gifts could be ablessing to others.Discussion questions Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 What do you think each of thespiritual gifts refers to? (vv. 8–10) What is the gift of tongues? Doesanyone have any experience withthis? - How do you feel about theidea of God giving us supernaturalgifts? Does everybody have the samegifts? (vv. 4–6) - Different gifts, worksand service, but the same God Why does God give spiritual giftsto people? (v. 7) - For the commongood not for our own gloryMention that there will be an opportunityto hear more on this subject in the nextsession.

Alpha Dayor WeekendSESSIONS10–11HOST NOTESSESSION 10How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?This session is followed by a time of prayer ministry in a group setting. Spend timepraying with any guests who would like prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit.Encourage guests who have further questions that you would be more than happyto discuss the teaching following the prayer time. Make sure to keep the discussionalive so guests can take their next steps.SESSION 11How can I make the most of the rest of my life?Ask each member of the group, starting with the person who will be most open, todescribe their experience of the weekend. This will give permission for any otherswho want to, to share their experiences. If appropriate you may wish to offer anopportunity for the group to pray for one another.