OK. So, if you’re going to do this, how do you do it? While some of the best practices for small groups still apply in a digital setting, meeting online introduces other unique opportunities and challenges as a leader.

DECIDE WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR ONLINE GROUP

You have decided to start an online group, but how are you going to spend that time? If you have an hour or more for your group experience how will that be divided up? There are obvious elements that won’t be part of online groups, such as the prolonged arrival and greeting as you wait for people to physically arrive and snack time. However, given the natural fatigue from attending a meeting online, it’s imperative to keep it simple! The following are the core elements that will make up a successful group experience:

1. Connection.
   People join groups to build relationships. If that wasn’t true they’d just listen to a podcast, read a book, or watch a video and call it good. Just as you greet people as they physically come to the group, do the same as group members log in to the meeting. Spend time at the beginning of the meeting catching up.

2. Discussion.

   If the only thing a group member desired was to form friendships, any social group, civic organization, or exercise club would work. The reason a person joins a small group is to learn about God and deepen their faith. The discussion time should do just that. As a leader, avoid lengthy speeches and long videos. Get the people talking. It’s harder online to help people connect with one another than it is in person. To attend to those interactions and make the most of them.

3. Prayer.

   Life is tough and prayer is God’s prescription for our anxieties. A group can show support for one another through sharing prayer requests and spending a few moments taking those requests to God in prayer.

So remember the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid!) approach when leading your group. Start with the fundamentals and build from there.

In Christ,
Kevin