Craig and Bobby are really knocking it out of the park with their series on Community Groups.
Their most recent post about “Elements of a Successful Group” is spot-on.
What’s so nice is that, again, nearly all of the elements are just as valuable in an online setting as well!
I’ve re-posted the list here and added “online” to make it explicit.
What do you think? Does this “transfer” work?
- A great online group needs a leader. When everyone is always voting on what we do next, we never do much. A good leader makes for a good group.
- A great online group is built around God’s word. Too often, small groups become all about fellowship. While fellowship is always essential, doing life around God’s word is what truly makes the difference.
- A great online group is a safe group. If people can’t discuss openly without fear of judgment, rejection, or gossip, the group is doomed to fail.
- A great online group looks outward. Serving together is life-changing.
- A great online group births new groups. If a group stays together for too long, they usually grow stale. Healthy groups produce new groups.
- A great online group takes breaks. We often take the summer off from consistent meetings. We’re all busy. The break makes us long to be together more.
- A great online group hurts together. I just got off the phone after talking to a young woman with four children who just lost her 39-year-old husband. Even though she is devastated, she told me confidently that her Life Group would be there for her. God is glorified through such a group.
Very cool. Thanks guys for writing this one up.
[Image from cali2okie]
Jim says
Sounds like we should be doing the same things online and offline
human3rror says
wow. that's … like. nuts!
Jim says
the same principles should apply, right, we should seek to minister with the same heart and passion everywhere. my philosophy of ministry (which is pretty basic) hasn't changed, but the rapid changes in ministry and technology have changed some of the ways that I apply the principles of that philosophy…[caveman grunting sounds]
Jason Taylor says
John, what I'm encouraged by in this post is the fact that increasingly community is happening online. I know that seems so weird to type but it's true. I did a training today with a group of coaches that have a hard time embracing this idea but it's a reality. More and more, busters and mosaics are comfortable withe developing relationship and community in the online space. The church and ministry (both) need to be prepped. I appreciate your blog because it's helping that happen.
human3rror says
“busters and mosaics”… first time that's been used on this blog. you win.
🙂
Thanks for participating here and helping this grow Jason! i've appreciated your comments and time spent here, it means a lot.
human3rror says
dude. what's with the caveman? puaha.
Jim says
I've been watching home improvement on nick at night…what happened to @roenne that she needed stitches?Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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Phillip Gibb says
What about the principle of multiplication where a group divides after a certain time to start up new groups. I mean the group can't realistically stay together forever.
human3rror says
i agree. i agree.
human3rror says
she's good. thanks for asking. survived. she's a warrior.