Introducing Alpha for Corps Ministry
Alpha is a flexible and welcoming resource that helps corps create space for honest conversations about Jesus, faith, life and purpose. It offers a practical way to support outreach, spiritual exploration and discipleship in today’s ministry context.
Why Alpha works well for corps ministry
- Creates a low-pressure environment for faith conversations
- Supports outreach, evangelism and discipleship goals
- Works in person, online or in hybrid settings
- Adapts well for adults, youth and small groups
A practical tool for outreach and discipleship
The Salvation Army has a long history of outreach, evangelism and discipleship. While the mission remains the same, our methods continue to adapt as communities and culture change.
Alpha offers corps a simple way to create welcoming spaces where people can ask questions, explore faith and engage in meaningful conversation. It can be used in church settings, homes, restaurants, online or hybrid gatherings.
Accessible, adaptable and easy to launch, Alpha can support adults, youth, small groups and a variety of ministry environments.
Why consider Alpha?
- Easy to run in different ministry settings
- Helpful for outreach and discipleship
- Adaptable for adults, youth and groups
- Available in multiple languages
- Built around conversation and relationship
What Alpha offers
Alpha helps create a culture where people feel comfortable inviting friends into a conversation about faith. It works well as an outreach pathway, a discipleship tool or a bridge for those beginning to explore Christianity.
Support for your corps
The Corps Mission Department and Territorial Alpha Coaches are available to help corps as they explore, plan and begin using Alpha in their local setting.
Alpha resources and pathways
Explore the options below to find the Alpha model, support and training resources that best fit your ministry setting.
Alpha Online
Alpha Online provides a flexible way to gather people, encourage conversation and explore faith in digital spaces when in-person options are limited or when online access serves your audience best.
Alpha in Small Groups
This approach helps churches equip leaders to host Alpha in smaller relational settings, creating natural opportunities for connection, discipleship and multiplying group ministry.
Alpha Youth
Alpha Youth creates space for young people to talk honestly about life, faith and purpose. Resources are available for both in-person and online formats.
Alpha Events
Training events from Alpha Canada can help leaders build confidence, strengthen planning and prepare well before launching a course.
Alpha Coaching
Coaching support is available for corps that want practical guidance around building a team, planning a course and running Alpha effectively in their context.
Territorial Alpha Coaches
John and Margaret Tillsley
John and Margaret Tillsley are lifelong Salvationists serving at Northridge Community Church in Aurora, Ontario. They have many years of firsthand Alpha experience and have helped lead approximately fifteen courses across in-person, online and hybrid formats.
If your corps is new to Alpha, or if you would value practical encouragement as you explore next steps, they are available to help.
Frequently asked questions
These quick answers may help as you consider whether Alpha is a good fit for your corps and ministry setting.
What is Alpha designed to do?
Alpha is designed to create a welcoming space where people can explore the Christian faith, ask questions and engage in honest conversation about life, meaning and Jesus.
Can Alpha work in a Salvation Army corps setting?
Yes. Alpha can be adapted for corps ministry and used as part of outreach, evangelism, discipleship, small groups or youth ministry.
Do we need a large team to start?
No. Alpha can begin at a manageable size. A committed small team with a welcoming spirit and clear planning can often start effectively and grow over time.
Can Alpha be run online or in hybrid form?
Yes. Alpha can be delivered in person, online or through a hybrid approach depending on the needs of your community and available resources.
Is support available if we are new to Alpha?
Yes. Support is available through Alpha Canada and through the Territorial Alpha Coaches, John and Margaret Tillsley.
Who should we contact first?
A strong first step is to connect with the Territorial Alpha Coaches. They can help you think through next steps, answer questions and point you toward the best starting resources.
Ready to explore Alpha at your corps?
If your corps is considering Alpha as part of its outreach, evangelism or discipleship strategy, support is available to help you take the next step with confidence.
