As we struggle with not meeting in a physical building, this is a time when the Church needs to be the Church doing what it is called to do. Below are some thoughts about how you can start a new online small group while many groups are not meeting.
Engage the worship-only crowd.
Many, if not most, of our churches have a group of people that are the “worship only” crowd. They are the sideline folks who are on the team, wear the uniform, but they are never in the game. Now is the time for us to engage these sideline attenders.
First, ask them to join an online small group.
Currently, these sideline attenders’ have a heightened appetite for interaction with others because of the isolation brought on by COVID-19. Since the purpose of our groups is to make disciples, we can reach out to these disconnected folks and encourage togetherness by asking them to join a new online group.
Start a new group online with Zoom or your preferred platform.
Here are some steps to accomplish this.
- Identify those who are “worship only.” This can be done by looking at the church membership rolls and remove those who are already connected to a small group. Larger churches can do this through their software. Smaller churches can do this by just writing down who they know is not in a group.
- Set a date and time to have the first meeting. It can be at any time that works best for your context.
- Make an initial connection. Use all the tools you have to do this such as email, social media, phone calls, or cards. The invitation should reflect our desire for people to be in a small group to encourage and support one another during this time.
- Get familiar with your technology and be willing to help others with it.
- Send a reminder with the log on information the day before the first meeting. Call those who might have trouble with the technology and walk them through the process.
- The group should begin with introductions and some conversation about how things are going in their lives. When prayer concerns arise, write them down for later.
- Share scripture and prepare some questions that lead to application during a discussion time.
- Pray over the needs mentioned and share when the next weekly meeting will be. Plan to meet at the same time each week.
- When our social distancing is relaxed and the church reassembles, continue the online meetings.
- Plan a social for the small group to meet in person.
- Work toward the group gathering in person weekly and still use the technology for connecting and ministry to each other.
Join the conversation in our Georgia Baptist Discipleship Facebook group! Know that you can reach out to our consultants at any time!