Comments on: Online Small Groups – Thoughts via Craig Groeschel

By: Nathan Ketsdever

Nathan Ketsdever — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:32:53 +0000

I think Craig left of authenticity (or at least increased transparency), relationships, and fellowship. I think all three are critical reasons which aren't to be overlooked. (along with Craig's first reason: it fits the Biblical model)

I think the online small groups works best for folks interested in the same issue (ie reading the same book, reading a similar circle of blogs).

I think the face-to-face is ideal, although video can help create that a bit. I have to say that the person to person aspect of small groups in "meet space" is just amazing. I just did my second Podcamp Nashville and the experience of seeing someone eyeball to eyeball is something that tech can re-create.

I should note, however, that I have attended a digital small group, but not in the way you might think. Journey Ecclessia in nearby Franklin, TN has a weekly monday podcast thats quite good and I've attended the live taping a couple times. They run it on this platform: http://www.mogulus.com/conduit

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:21:16 +0000

How about an online car wash? Everyone just settle down…

By: Matt Harrell

Matt Harrell — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:34:43 +0000

Thanks for that Nathan. I think your point echos my comments below that online tools can be used to enhance the members of a small group. Small groups are already together…they don't need social networking, they need a tool that can just connect the existing groups in a way that facilitates increased communication in a private environment. Thanks.

By: Matt Harrell

Matt Harrell — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:29:27 +0000

The need for online small groups is completely independent on each group and church. Bottom line is that some groups need 'em, others don't. However, I do think that an online group can help enhance the experience. For example if I need to easily reach my group but don't have everyone's email handy I can use tools to make sure that I can easily connect with those folks via a mailing list. Online tools can help facilitate the logistics of a group like planning and communicating and sharing resources…privately. Of course some folks are trying to use tools to *create* community. That's cool too, but that's a whole 'nother challenge.

By: Phillip Gibb

Phillip Gibb — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:57:02 +0000

Yip – that's a big one. I meet all sorts of strange people on Twitter, he he he.
Here's a shout out from South Africa Cape Town at 10pm, to the informal ChurchCrunch Community Group – stay close to Christ. Night

By: ChrisW (Churchpunk)

ChrisW (Churchpunk) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:50:34 +0000

I get excited about online small groups because it is an opportunity to connect with people I wouldn't otherwise run into at my church. This also brings an outside perspective to my church and ministry. Having the ability to talk to people from other churches, cultures, and experiences is the greatest benefit to online communities. And the flexibility rocks!!!

By: Phillip Gibb

Phillip Gibb — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:26:14 +0000

Small groups is definitely the core. Authentic Community (sorry for the buzzword) is not something that can be effective in a church of 5000, 20000 or even 500. But about a dozen people looking out for each other and growing together can really authentic. And more importantly grow in their relationship with Christ. Online tools used in isolation will probably fall short but I think that they can be used in conjunction with the typical small group to provide a perfect means to keep people accountable during the week.
Sunday Church warriors, even those that meet during the week can find themselves forgetting God and the message they are supposed to be applying – yet online social networking tool can be leveraged to facilitate a re-inforcement of that on a daily basis.

By: Phillip Gibb

Phillip Gibb — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:18:32 +0000

Nice. Mogulus – interesting.

By: Amanda_Sims

Amanda_Sims — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:10:13 +0000

I am part of two online small groups. Both use mogulus tools, but I have also seen TokBox used, or even Google Chat. My husband and I enjoy online small groups because we don't have to worry about child care or leaving the house or whatever. Regardless of what folks say about it not being "real", we have found authentic community in these bodies of believers.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:15:29 +0000

It all depends on the people.

Take both my small groups, for instance. We're great at communicating with each other in person (or over the phone) and staying involved in each others lives accordingly. Online, not so much. So first-and-foremost, the people have to embrace whatever technology you're going to use to connect people. Without that, you're spinning your wheels.