Entering Uncharted Waters

Alpha needs no introduction: it’s been successfully run in SJSM for more than 10 years, although recent structural changes and the onset of COVID-19 in Singapore have resulted in it looking a little different now. In fact, 7 February 2020, which was the day of the 2020 Alpha Intro Dinner, was also when the Singapore government announced the nationwide risk assessment level to DORSCON Orange. The dinner went ahead as planned with regulatory safety measure in place, but sessions were temporarily suspended thereafter.

Since September 2020, Alpha has been running on a hybrid format — sessions are held online via small groups, with Holy Spirit Day continuing to be conducted onsite (with up-todate safe distancing measures implemented, of course!). Decentralisation sacrifices some of the excitement and momentum of a churchwide effort, but it also opens the way for more flexibility and personalisation, as well as opportunities for creativity.

While SJSMers have been a little slow to support this new incarnation of Alpha, ministry lead Trixie is hopeful that it will gain traction among our cell groups given more time, and eventually take off. We look forward to seeing God raise more Alpha Champions in our midst!