Online Small Group Discussion Template
While many aspects of facilitating a small group will be transferable to the online interface, I would recommend tweaking the format from a traditional small group discussion.
The Chocolate Hummus of Ministries Left Behind
After pandemic in churches, some things got left behind. In a recent survey of churches across North America, pastors reported not only what they stopped doing, but also what they’re not bringing back.
6 Ways to Boost Discussion in Your Online Group
Your group members may not have fully adjusted to this new virtual environment, but you can have great discussion if you boost discussion. Here are 4 ways to boost discussion in your online group.
How Saddleback Started 3,000 Groups During COVID-19
Rick Warren recently preached a sermon where he mentioned that Saddleback has added 3,000 groups during Covid-19. Saddleback started the year with around 6,000 groups. They now have about 9,000 groups. Wow.
12 Things Not to Say in a Small Group
I have witnessed these statements wreck the kind of community we’re all striving for in leading a small group.
Keep People Engaged Online – What’s the Secret?
One question I keep hearing is “How do we keep people engaged online?” The assumption here is that because we’re all stuck at home—and...
10 Reasons Ministry Isn’t for Wimps
Pastoral care ministry isn't for wimps...so if you still want to be a pastor after reading this, then God has probably called you to shepherd a church!
10 Best Icebreaker Questions—Great For Christian Small Groups
"Here are my 10 current favorite small group icebreaker questions."
Small Group Leader, You Are a Pastor
If you are a small group leader, I have an announcement for you: YOU ARE A PASTOR. In fact, most of the pastors in the early centuries of the church did the same stuff you do as a small group leader.
6 Ways to Use Your Pastor’s Sermons for Online Small Groups
While there are many different studies available for online Small Groups to use, this is also a great opportunity for you to use your pastor’s sermon, and find ways incorporate it into your Online Small Groups.
6 Tips for Overcoming Virtual Meetings Fatigue
So, what do we do when our minds and bodies start shutting down from virtual meetings overload? Here are six tips to overcome your Zoom/Hangouts/WebEx/Skype/FaceTime fatigue.
So You Want to Use Zoom Anyway
Most organizations were a bit unprepared for the increased remote work forced on us by the current pandemic. Churches and ministries are communication-focused, and...
May Our Longing to Gather Grow
Our longing to gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ is a gracious reminder that we belong to Him. He has given us this longing. The tears are reminders that His mercy has changed us.
8 Icebreakers for Online Groups
How can you, as a leader, be proactive and set the tone for an engaging meeting? You need icebreakers for online groups. Here are four icebreaker questions and four icebreaker games to get everyone settled in for a great online gathering.
Zoom or Facetime? Choose Your Video Calling Solution Wisely!
The coronavirus (Covid-19) has many staff working from home, and there are a number of things worth considering as you manage the ‘brand’ of...
Suddenly, Everybody Has Time for a Small Group
Unless they offer an essential service, suddenly everybody has time for a small group. The #1 excuse people give for not joining a group is that they are too busy or they don’t have enough time for a small group.
7 Lessons Each Navy Deployment Taught Me About Thriving While Socially Isolated
With #socialdistancing #quarantine #shelterinplace causing upheaval in all of our lives I have been reflecting on how each Navy deployment gave me skills that help in this current reality. My goal every time I deployed was to come back better than when I left.
Video Course: How Online Small Groups Work
In the following video course, you’ll learn why online small groups are valuable to your church, the strategy of online groups, the details of what happens during a typical video group, and more. Watch the course yourself, send it to your group's pastor or key volunteer.
Ravi Zacharias Answers: What Good Is Prayer Right Now?
In his first interview since his cancer diagnosis, Ravi Zacharias discusses the role of prayer in these troubled times on the Ben Shapiro Show. “Prayer...helps us become better citizens and better people in community to understand and help those who are going through a tough time.”
Should Your Church Have Closed or Open Groups?
“How do you feel about closed or open groups?” This was a recent question I was asked by a church that was in the beginning stages of formulating their church-wide small group model. I smiled because this is a loaded question for several reasons that we will discuss here.
Latest News
SCOTUS Ruling Approves More Exemptions to Birth Control Mandate
The SCOUTS ruling, a victory for the Trump administration and the Catholic charity Little Sisters of the Poor, weakens the ACA's so-called contraceptive mandate, which has faced years of legal challenges.
New Podcasts
Jeff Reed: Actually, Digital Church Is All About Relationships
You might think of digital church as being impersonal. But Jeff Reed says, "The strength of online church is relationships."
Small Group Leaders
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Leading small groups in your church is not only about teaching and relationship building, but it is also about your relationship with Jesus. You will also find inspiration, encouragement, and help to keep your relationship with God strong and vibrant.