. A GUIDE TO PRIORITIZING COMMUNITY WITH VIRTUAL SMALL GROUPS While we are limited in contact with others face-to-face, this should not limit community with God and with others. We believe that “People Need Each Other” and being a part of a Small Group is where big Church becomes small and intimate. In the midst of social distancing and the inability to join together in a large gathering, this is the time when Small Groups become even more vital. STAY IN COMMUNICATION • • Let your group know that you’re there for them. If they have concerns, fears, or needs, this is the time to pick up the phone or talk online. The Small Group leader will host the virtual meeting and send out invites. SOUND • • Be aware of where you are setting up the call in your home (dogs, dishwasher, tv on, etc.). Learn how to mute and unmute yourself. You should keep your microphone muted while you are not speaking to help sound quality. • Avoid noisy activities like typing while your microphone is on. • VIDEO • • Think about the angle. Are we seeing up your nose? What is behind you? Keep your background clear of distractions. When speaking, it is more personal to look at your webcam instead of the screen. LIGHTING • Lighting should come from in front of you in order to best light your face. HELP EVERYONE FOCUS • When multiple people talk at once, it becomes quite hard to hear anyone. HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE WITH YOUR Set a time and link for people to join. SMALL GROUP • • Text reminders with the Virtual Small Group meeting address. STRUCTURE THE SMALL GROUP TIME • • • Read/watch prior to group time. Consider using the sermon-based curriculum during this time. Add a fun element to the beginning! Trivia game? Get creative (A great idea – download the “Steam” application and purchase Jackbox Games for $15. Then you can screen share and everyone can join in to play). Pray together each time with specifics. SECURE YOUR GROUP • • • • • • Create meetings from the Zoom website (not mobile device or app). This allows you to choose more secure settings. Always make sure there is a Host. Never have a meeting without a Host. Use the meeting password feature. This will give participants a password to enter the meeting. Use the waiting room feature so that only the Host can give permission to join the meeting. Disable screen share for all users. Only allow for the Host, if you need that feature. Also, the Host can lock the meeting so that no one else is able to join. 07
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