Ultimately, we overcame the challenges and enjoyed rich conversation. I also clarified that group discussion was still a goal even though we were virtual. So, I framed our discussion in a way that allowed time for everyone to discuss. Clearly, it would have been easier for me to do most of the talking and everyone else to simply listen. Several times we accidentally talked simultaneously, making it difficult to understand. Some group members were hesitant to talk. While our previous in-person discussions were easy, fluid conversations with lots of input from group members, hosting a discussion online was simply different. Gathering virtually changed the dynamics of our Bible study discussion. Keeping an eye on the clock and shepherding the overall discussion allowed us to examine the whole passage and respect the time limits of our gathering. Teaching virtually meant I would sometimes need to wrap up one verse or idea and move our discussion on to the next. Brief, but clear teaching would keep our time moving and interesting. I needed to communicate the study in less time than I was used to. So, my teaching time needed to be focused and intentional. Our time together was shortened to stave off inattention and fatigue. For many, communicating through a computer screen has its limits. Online gatherings are just different than in-person meetings. This practice no longer seemed like just a good habit it was a vital tool used to foster relationships and increase participation. Connecting outside of our group time became a necessary link to share information and foster group interaction.Įach week, I texted our group the Bible passage we would study as well as an ice-breaker question that would kick-off our discussion. I quickly learned that sending a weekly text was not optional. As our group transitioned to meeting virtually, chance meetings and casual chats disappeared. Stopping to talk before or after worship was common. Connecting outside of group time is critical.īefore COVID-19, I saw many of my group members once or twice a week at church. Here are three things COVID-19 reminded me about leading a successful small group. These “basics” were crucial to our group’s success. Some basic practices I had known about leading an effective small group became increasingly important for online gatherings. It wasn’t a seamless transition, so I learned a lot. My goal was for our online gatherings to be just as valuable and engaging as our in-person gatherings had been. After reading blogs and articles about how to transition from in-person to virtual gatherings, I adopted some teaching practices, tweaked others, and evaluated each week. Meeting online required some adjustments. Our group was able to connect, pray together, and look to God’s Word for guidance one hour each week with the help of technology. We are so, so excited! While meeting online presented some challenges initially, gathering virtually became an important tool as the COVID-19 crisis extended from weeks to months. Groups who have been meeting virtually will once again get to gather in person at church. After 5 months of meeting weekly via Zoom, our church will launch in-person small groups next week. My small group wrapped up our final online gathering last week.
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