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Digital Best Practices

Check out these tips from North Point Community Church for meeting as a group digitally during this time of social distancing.

SELECTING A PLATFORM:

Choose a free video-conferencing platform:

• Zoom

• Google Meet

• Skype

Need more guidance? Check out the pros and cons of each platform. 

HOSTING A GROUP MEETING:

Host a 60- to 90-minute video meeting with your members to:

♥ Connect (15–25 minutes): Check in with your group. Need some new ways to start the conversation? Check out these icebreaker questions or use our Digital Story Cards.

♥ Learn (35–50 minutes): The group will dive into a particular topic or study. Either before or during your meeting, you will watch a video, read an excerpt, or listen to a podcast.

♥ Apply (10–15 minutes): Share what you’ve learned, what you’ll do with it, and close in prayer.

MEETING DIGITALLY:

COMMUNICATION

• Communicate with your group early and often. Send weekly emails or text reminders regarding group meetings, and let your group know you are there for them.

• Turn off any potential distractions ahead of time, so you can be fully engaged.

• Check in with group members after week six. Ask: How are you doing? How is the digital format working? Do you feel you are connecting with other group members? How can I pray for you? How can I help?

SOUND

• Since background noise can cause feedback and static noise on your call, ask group members to mute themselves when they are not talking to eliminate feedback.

• If you have others in the home (e.g., roommate or spouse) who are not in the group, please consider using headphones to maintain confidentiality.

• Consider playing background music as people initially join the call. Consider using a playlist of worship music from Buckhead Church. 

VIDEO

• Download the video-conferencing platform you chose ahead of time and test it to become familiar with it.

• To ensure the integrity and safety of your digital group, please make your meeting links password protected, create a waiting room, or make the meeting invitation only.

• Go online early before each meeting to ensure your video and audio are working.

• Sit close to the screen, so it appears you are sitting across from them. Be mindful of the camera angle and what is behind you.

• Good lighting goes a long way. Place lighting behind your computer or phone, not directly behind you, so it brightens your face.

 

AVOID  ZOOM FATIGUE:

You or your group members feeling extra exhausted meeting digitally? Check out our tips to help with “Zoom Fatigue”.

Reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions!