Embracing the Alpha Movement in Prison: A Peer Facilitator's Journey
Delve into the transformative world of the Alpha program within prisons, where peer facilitators play a pivotal role in impacting lives. From humble beginnings to serving as servant leaders, this journey emphasizes the essence of humility, preparation, and encouragement. Join the movement and discover the deeper purpose beyond mere Bible study.
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WELCOME TO THE ALPHA FAMILY YOU ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN A NEW ERA FOR ALPHA IN PRISONS, AS ALPHA HAS ALWAYS BEEN LEAD BY OUTSIDE VOLUNTEERS. YOU THEREFORE ARE SETTING THE EXAMPLE FOR OTHER INMATES ACROSS THE NATION. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING AND ACTING ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOUR DECISION TO BE A PEER FACILITATOR AS YOUR ACTIONS WILL IMPACT LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF OTHER LIVES. ABOVE ALL ELSE AS YOU BEGIN THIS JOURNEY REMEMBER: ALPHA IS NOT A BIBLE STUDY. IT IS A MOVEMENT.
IN THE BEGINNING 1985 Sandy Miller and Nicky Gumbel, Holy Trinity Brompton: London 1995 Paul Cowley and Michael Emmitt, UK Prisons 2004 Paul Cowley and Jack Cowley, United States Prisons 2015 Alpha in 295 USA Prisons Over 80,000 inmates have experienced Alpha in the USA
THE BASICS MISSION VISION VALUES A Anyone is welcome L Learning and Laughter .have fun P Prison and Prayer H Helping one another A Ask anything
TELLING IT LIKE IT IS THE PROBLEM WITH PEER FACILITATORS Other Inmates know who you are Difficulty in maintaining your facilitator roll on the yard Using this position for your own gain Maintaining control of the group Limited access to Alpha support services
THINK OF YOURSELF AS A SERVANT LEADER 2 TIMOTHY 2: 14 - 26 Pursue Humility: Removal of Pride and ego Not about being the center of the show or the man in charge Allowing Jesus to be the center Do not quarrel over words vs. 14 Worry about yourself vs. 15 Rightly handle the truth vs. 15 Focus on what matters vs. 16 Purify yourself vs. 21 Pursue Godliness in your own life vs. 22-23 Be patient and gentle vs. 24-26
SMALL GROUP TRAINING YOU ARE FACILITATORS OF SMALL GROUPS, NOT LEADERS. Your attitude should be one of Host to your Guest and Guest come first Attitudes matter therefore you must be real and sincere Prepare Prepare Prepare Pray Pray Pray Demonstrate respect for others as well as their opinions Allow your guests to discover for themselves Be the encourager, ALWAYS Be committed to your guests Follow the Alpha Course Recipe Training Exercises
THE ALPHA RECEIPT IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS ? Guests are invited to attend an Introduction to the Christian faith-All are welcome 8 10 guests per small group 2 hour weekly sessions for 17 weeks Large group welcome Singing Prayer, prayer request, praise reports Watch the video talk Break into small groups Return to large group to end session If possible allow guests to bring snacks to share and drinks
THE ALPHA RECEIPT THE FIRST SESSION Welcome your guests Chaplain should explain the course Certificates of completion will be provided for 90% of attendance No additional guests after the 2nd session Introduction of Facilitators Each Facilitator should give a brief personal introduction Watch the Paul Cowley video The God Who Changes Lives Break into small groups Each guest is given the opportunity to introduce himself Go over small group dynamics Each guest will receive the work sheet for next weeks session Return to large group Let guests know they are appreciated for coming and encouraged to attend next session
THE ALPHA RECEIPT SESSIONS BEGIN Following the Alpha Course Manual for weekly sessions Is There More To Life Than This? Who is Jesus? How Can We Have Faith? Why and How To I Pray? Why and How Should I Read the Bible? How Does God Guide Us? The Holy Spirit Sessions: Should be a different time than regular sessions Who Is The Holy Spirit? What Does The Holy Spirit Do? How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit? How Can I resist Evil? Why and How Should I Tell Others? Does God Heal Today What About The Church? How can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life? Graduation Celebration If possible each guest can invite a family member another inmate
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? BUILDING THE CHURCH BEHIND THE WALLS Follow Up Alpha Courses? The Jesus Lifestyle A Life Worth Living Parenting Course Marriage Course Addiction Recovery Course Start a new Alpha Course? Enlisting small group helpers
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ALPHA USA: DIVISION OF PRISONS & RE-ENTRY WWW.ALPHAUSA.ORG/PRISONS Jack Cowley, Director JackCowley@alphausa.org 918-231-8847 Bruce Paulus, Deputy Director BrucePaulus@gmail.com 937-621-1930 Lou Ronna Richardson, Office Manager LouRonnaRichardson@alphausa.org 314-607-8850
