NEW RESOURCE
To resource small groups in this period the Presbyterian Church in Ireland are launching Unprecedented. Not designed as a typical Bible study, it recognises that we are living through a once in a lifetime event that offers lessons for the rest of our lives.
Each session provides a short, simple framework built around themes arising from the Covid-19 lockdown, encouraging group reflection on Scripture, along with questions to help everyone share together.
10 TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE SMALL GROUPS
Unprecedented seeks to build upon some important practical lessons below that are beginning to emerge as congregations continue to experiment with how to make best use of digital small group opportunities.
1/ Have a clear plan and communicate it
Being prepared for meeting online is so important. We need to clearly communicate a start and end time. Sharing a structure for your time together will help too. Being clear on the purpose of the call tailors expectations. Is it to look at a passage of Scripture, have everyone share in fellowship or to pray together? Let people know because that will determine the level of discussion and interaction.
2/ Keep it small
Keeping the group to a manageable size ensures everyone has a chance to share their thoughts. Going above 12 people makes it difficult for everyone to fully participate in the conversation. If more people want to join in, it might be an opportunity to develop a new group rather than adding more people to the call.
3/ Use the technology well
It’s useful to help people in your group use their technology well to ensure the effectiveness of your time together. Encouraging everyone to mute their microphone when they aren’t contributing cuts out background noise and sudden distractions. Wearing headphones enhances the audio feed and cuts down on an echo from other participants. Switching off other apps or websites running in the background should improve the quality of the call. Sending the meeting link in good time helps everyone have their own technology ready.
4/ Stimulate with content
Asking participants to read or watch something before you meet is a good way to stimulate the conversation and means everyone comes ready to share. It also takes the learning and reflection beyond the call itself into people’s own time. Using printed material might helpfully take people away from their screens. Another way of stimulating discussion is to begin the call with a short teaching time from someone in the group, giving everyone something to reflect on and respond to.
5/ Clear leadership is important
Someone needs to facilitate the conversation and give a clear lead for it to run smoothly. Online discussion has a distinct dynamic meaning it’s harder to know when to speak and more awkward to join the conversation. Open questions may mean people revert to being quiet, so having a leader who gives clear direction and invites people to share is a good method. Asking a question, giving time to reflect and then asking people by name to share should help the conversation flow.
6/ Shorter might be better
Research has shown that technology has a way of tiring us quicker than face-to-face interaction. It can be draining to watch a screen for a long period of time, so we should aim to meet for a shorter time than usual. The coffee and small talk of a normal meeting is more difficult in an online call where no more than one audio channel can be heard simultaneously and everyone is listening, so just factor this time out. Aiming for quality over quantity keeps people engaged and more likely to join in again.
7/ Mix it up
Meeting in the same way each week can become monotonous, so add variety and freshness by employing a variety of approaches. One week might be a teaching approach where someone shares a devotion and invites others to share their reflections. Another week could be everyone in the group sharing their response to Sunday’s sermon or something they have read. Or how about a prayer time, or everyone sharing a Bible verse or worship song that particularly speaks to them in present circumstances?
8/ Make the most of technology
The ‘screen share’ option can be really useful for showing resources or sharing PowerPoint, which provides fresh stimulus and helps visual learners focus. Breakout rooms also work well for larger gatherings as a way of dividing people into smaller discussion groups. Some prefer larger groups so they can listen and learn rather than share, while others like smaller groups in which they can go deeper in discussion, so offering both works well.
9/ Have fun!
Don’t be scared to have some fun. In a time of increased uncertainty and anxiety, laughing together can be a real antidote. Start with an icebreaker or ask everyone to join the call wearing funny headgear. For something different have a quiz night where participants prepare a round each.
10/ Drive to prayer
Giving time and space for prayer is important. People can be willing to pray through technology in ways they are reluctant to face-to-face. Particularly in these moments, there is opportunity for people to be honest, share their fears and minister to one another.
Finally, perhaps online small groups give us an opportunity to model the words of 1 Corinthians 14:26 together:
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
Four introductory sessions of Unprecedented are available for free download here. They can be used in any order.