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Alpha Tips
Alpha Tips are some of the most popular pages on the Alpha USA website. The Tips provide just in time learning for busy Alpha teams. Look to the lower left navigational bar (under Articles) to view a selection of written Alpha Tips. We have also created Alpha Tips podcasts that you can forward to your team or share during team training. Click here to view the Alpha Tips podcasts.
Below is the most current written Alpha Tip:
What questions can We expect in Alpha this Fall?
Across America over the next few weeks thousands of pastors, Alpha administrators, prison chaplains, colleges students and home group leaders are preparing to launch Alpha courses. What types of questions are seekers asking this fall?
Whether you are starting your first course or your 101st course this year, preparing your team for leading the small groups is crucial to the success of your course. We want to create a welcoming environment where no question is too silly or hostile to be asked. Be OK with occasional times of silence the first few weeks as people work out if this is really a safe place. Sprinkle in humor and remember that Nicky is handling the talk, your small group
facilitators don't need to feel compelled to give another talk. We really want to hear people's honest questions and walk together with them for next ten weeks.
In conjunction with our national media campaign, we have invited people to visit the Alpha USA website to Ask God One Question. You and your team can help us build momentum for this campaign by taking a moment to add your question and then pass it on to others - even seekers you know - to add their questions, too.
It has been fascinating to see the types of responses that have been submitted. At your team training, you may want to talk about them with your small group facilitators:
Of the 91 seeker questions submitted in July, here are the top four category submissions. (Note: We will update this at then end of August and again at the end of September.)
21% (19) revolved around suffering
Examples:
Why do good things happen to bad people?
Why don't you prevent suffering?
Why does God let babies die?
Why am I alone?
Why did he allow the earthquake in Haiti?
12% (11) God’s nature
Examples:
Why doesn't God show himself today the way Jesus did when he was alive?
Why did you leave no evidence for your existence?
Will you forgive me?
Why are you so hidden?
Are you a Calvinist?
11% (10) Afterlife/Heaven
Examples:
What happens when we die?
Is life eternal?
Will my Down Syndrome son be whole in heaven and then I won't know him?
Will I know my loved ones in heaven?
11% (10) Decisions/Direction/The future
Examples: If you know everything that's going to happen, how can there be free will? Does God make mistakes?Why are we here?Should I be looking for signs from god, or should I just be living my life and planning my own path?
To help prepare your team, here are a few trusted resources:
1. Don't forget to do the Alpha Small Group Team Training. Use either the DVD or do the talks live, just make sure you take the time to train and prepare your facilitators.
2. Have on hand copies of Searching Issues (the book) for your team to read before the course begins.
3. Alternatively, did you know that there are also the individual chapter booklets of all the Searching Issues chapters? A few of the key titles are: Why does God allow Suffering?, What about other Religions?
3. Read the notes and listen to the August Alpha Practitioner Call where we looked at creative ways to optimize your training.
4. Here is a fun video cataloging questions people are asking. |
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