We’re so excited to be launching our very first Alpha for 5th graders, and we’re thrilled that your family is part of it. Alpha is a safe, fun, and honest space where kids can ask big questions about faith, God, and life, and know they’re not alone in wondering.

This page is here to support both parents and students along the way. For parents, you’ll find simple resources and conversation starters to help you ask meaningful questions and hear about your child’s Alpha experience beyond “It was fine.” For students, this page helps you stay in the loop, especially if you miss a week, so you can catch up on videos and jump right back in.

Whether you’re continuing conversations at home or making sure you don’t miss a beat, we hope these resources help Alpha extend beyond the room and into everyday life. We’re so glad you’re on this journey with us.

Every week, Alpha will serve a meal. Here's why...

Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) of American Gen Z students said they feel lonely. It isn't just an American issue, even the British government appointed a Minister for Loneliness to address the crisis of isolated and ignored millions. This is a global issue and is especially true for students in this digital generation. There is, however, one thing that unites all people and despite all the changes that society goes through, this remains constant… gathering for a meal. Food is the ultimate icebreaker. It helps people relax and makes it easier for them to open up and connect. Regardless of what is being eaten, food in community lets others know they are worth the time and effort, that they matter and are welcome. It’s a simple act of service. But why does it matter? What makes a meal together so powerful? When we sit at the same level around the table, it provides a space to talk about our shared common experiences. Everyone is equal and gets to voice their opinion

There is an ancient strategy behind having a meal and a table. The Early Church evangelized, not by apologetics, but through community. One of the most common ways that Jesus met with people was over a meal, so it’s no surprise this is still one of the most effective ways to connect with people. Hospitality literally means “to love the stranger.” As people experience radical hospitality, they begin to experience the grace of God. The goal of every Alpha is to foster an environment of hospitality where people of all backgrounds can learn the Christian faith together and be invited into authentic community.

We ask that your 5th grader invites their friends! Here's why...

Alpha works best when it is positioned for people who would not call themselves Christians. It is intended to be a safe place to express doubts, ask questions and wrestle with uncertainty in the context of community. Inviting friends into a conversation about faith, life and God can sometimes be a scary thought. Often we assume the worst, expecting to be ridiculed or outright rejected. However, a recent Barna Report on Reviving Evangelism in the Next Generation found that nearly 1 in 2 (or 47%) of non-christian Gen Z students would be interested in learning more about Christianity and what it could mean for their life! On top of this, many young people (78%) are already having faith conversations with another person of a different faith background. What we've discovered is many of our friends are waiting for our invitation to be included in conversations around life's biggest questions. We might be surprised around how many of our friends would say 'yes!' to the invitation to come a be a part of Alpha.

Inviting someone doesn’t have to be difficult or daunting. Alpha is a place where they can be heard and understood, and it is meeting a very real need. There is fun, food, laughter and honest interaction with others. Essentially, it’s a party with a purpose: to share God’s love, acceptance and freedom with people in our lives!

Schedule:

Night 1 Wednesday, February 11 • Is There More to Life Than This? Watch Here
Night 2 Wednesday, February 18 • Jesus: Who is He? Watch Here
Night 3 Wednesday, February 25 • Cross: Why Did Jesus Die? Watch Here
Night 4 Wednesday, March 4 • Faith: How Can We Have Faith? Watch Here
Night 5 Wednesday, March 11 • Prayer: Why and How Do I Pray? (Prayer Resource) Watch Here
Night 6 Wednesday, March 18 • Bible: Why and How Do I Read the Bible? Watch Here
Night 7 Wednesday, March 25 • Spirit: Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does He Do? Watch Here
Night 8 Wednesday, April 1 • Evil: Why is There Evil in the World? & Healing: Why Doesn't God Always Heal? Watch Here
Night 9 Wednesday, April 8 • Telling Others & The Church Watch Here