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    <title>Small Groups, Alpha USA</title>
    <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Groups/1000041912/Small_Groups.aspx</link>
    <description>Latest articles from Small Groups, Alpha USA</description>
    <copyright>2013, Alpha USA</copyright>
    <language>en</language>
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      <title>Small Group Scenarios on Alpha</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047578/Small_Group_Scenarios.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047578/Small_Group_Scenarios.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>This resource will help you recognize seven types of individuals or groups and know how to deal with them in a positive, life-giving manner.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Great Small Group Training and new Innovations from HTB</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000126994/Great_Small_Group.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000126994/Great_Small_Group.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Quality team training is crucial to a good Alpha course. We discussed the biggest challenges we face in this area and then heard about new innovations from Nicky and the team at Holy Trinity Brompton.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: 10 ways to start your small group well</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000116709/Alpha_Tips_10.aspx</link>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Timely reminders for you and your team as you prepare for your first night of Alpha.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Kindness can go a long way</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000056096/Alpha_Tips_Kindness.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000056096/Alpha_Tips_Kindness.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>As a church, we are trying to be more outward focused.  What are few things we could tell our team as we prepare for our fall course?</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Wrapping up the Small Group time</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000048156/Alpha_Tips_Wrapping.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000048156/Alpha_Tips_Wrapping.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>There are a few different approaches to this wrapping up your small group time.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Listening Better</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000048124/Alpha_Tips_Listening.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000048124/Alpha_Tips_Listening.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Persuasive listening is listening with the heart. It is invaluable for all Alpha hosts and helpers.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Keeping the small group time open for seekers</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000048046/Alpha_Tips_Keeping.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000048046/Alpha_Tips_Keeping.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>This is a very important question and one that needs to be dealt with quickly and sensitively.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Incorporating 'Words of Knowledge'</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047880/Alpha_Tips_Incorporating.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047880/Alpha_Tips_Incorporating.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>How can we incorporate 'words of knowledge'?</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Training Call: Recruiting and Training Leaders</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047710/Training_Call_Recruiting.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047710/Training_Call_Recruiting.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Training Conference Call from March 29th, 2006. This call was led by pastors Phil Jeansonne and Kim Swithinbank.  They discussed how the Alpha course can be a tool for Recruiting and Training Leaders.  Their insights are valuable to any leader wanting to</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Training Call: Reaching Seekers Through Small Groups</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047705/Training_Call_Reaching.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047705/Training_Call_Reaching.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Training Conference Call from January 17, 2007. Garry Poole, the Evangelism Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, shares valuable principles that will help Alpha teams build better Alpha courses. Some topics covered include: How do we attract seekers a</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Training Call: Conversations that Connect</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047703/Training_Call_Conversations.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047703/Training_Call_Conversations.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Training Conference Call from April 25, 2007. Becky Pippert offered invaluable insights on how to effectively converse with non-Christians. Todd Hunter, Board Member and Consultant of Alpha USA also added helpful comments from his own experiences.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Skill Building Listening Exercises</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047577/Skill_Building_Listening.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047577/Skill_Building_Listening.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>In an Alpha small group, our goal is to create a safe place where no question is too threatening, too hostile or naïve to ask. This is easier in theory than in practice. Becoming a good listener takes time and practice. Listening is not a passive exercise</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reminders for Hosts</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047582/Reminders_for_Hosts.aspx</link>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Remember to:
• Affirm each person and their contribution to the small group time, even if you do not agree with their position. Listening with acceptance to each person and what they have to say is the most effective way to help a guest feel safe and wel</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reminders for Helpers</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047583/Reminders_for_Helpers.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047583/Reminders_for_Helpers.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Remember to:
• State that you have returned to participate on this course because you want to help and still have things to learn about your faith.  However, do not emphasize that you are on the leadership team for the course. A good Helper will blend in</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Quiet Guest</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047508/Alpha_Tips_Quiet.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047508/Alpha_Tips_Quiet.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Tips for how to work with guests who don't participate in the small group discussion.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Working with Eager Christian Guests</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047439/Alpha_Tips_Working.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047439/Alpha_Tips_Working.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Alpha Advisor and Conference Speaker Sue Dennison offers suggestions for how to work with Alpha guests who constantly answer questions using the Bible.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Watching Your Language</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047436/Alpha_Tips_Watching.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047436/Alpha_Tips_Watching.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>It is easy to allow talk about church related topics, and church language, creep into our courses. But it can alienate guests. Here are ways to avoid it.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alpha Tips: Training Again?</title>
      <link>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047423/Alpha_Tips_Training.aspx</link>
      <guid>http://www.alphausa.org/Articles/1000047423/Alpha_Tips_Training.aspx</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>Ongoing Alpha Small Group training is important. Here's why. From Alpha Tips.</description>
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