How to Guide your
WordGo Group Online

When circumstances prevent us from gathering together in person, we can stay connected spiritually and relationally in a meaningful way through online small groups. This article offers some helpful principles and practices for meeting digitally, and introduces some of the best digital tools available.

Most WordGo groups will have someone who is technically minded within them. If you don’t feel confident about the technicalities of the start-up process, ask for some support in getting the group set up! It might also help to have a dry run through with a couple of Group Members to identify and deal with any initial problems.

Meeting online will take a bit of getting used to, so prepare your group for the occasional mishap of poor connection and sound quality. It might also be a good idea to equip those who are less tech savvy by offering extra support and advice. For example, you could encourage all of your members to use headphones with a mic to prevent the echo caused by computer speakers. This will also reduce background noise from their surroundings. 

As always, our Customer Support team is here for you and happy to help with any questions you have. We're also in the process of updating our FAQs and forums so we can help you facilitate virtual gatherings and support all our WordGo users. We want to invite you to contribute to these forums and share ideas from your group. 

The great news for all online groups is that geographical distance doesn't have to mean spiritual and relational distance! But it can be easy to discuss a topic during online meetings without being intentional about really getting to know your Group Members.

If you were to host friends in your home, you’d be thinking beforehand about food, ambience and welcome. If you are meeting online, you can still create a relaxed and friendly environment that sets your group at ease, and creates an atmosphere of openness. There are many creative ways to do this; one idea might be to open your conference call ten minutes before start time, and encourage everyone to have an ice-cream or bring their favourite cup of coffee - just as if you are sitting across the table from one another. Simple steps like this can make all the difference in building relationships. 

You can also create the atmosphere by placing an emphasis on personal touches throughout. Warm words of welcome, introducing any new Group Members, and inviting everyone to take part all go a long way toward setting the tone. Ensure you reach out to those unable to be present so that members continue to feel connected and valued. As Guide, remember you can keep track of group prayer points and personal notes in a Guide-only app area. 

Let’s be honest, most of us can’t help but cringe when we see ourselves on screen! It is important, however, to greet your Group Members with a smile and enthusiastic welcome. 

In video conferencing, it can be hard not to be distracted by the image of yourself at the bottom of the screen. Do your very best to maintain eye contact, though; to do this, all you have to do is look directly into your device’s camera lens. You will become less self conscious as time goes on - we promise! Or, if you wish to, some platforms allow you to hide your own picture. Make sure that you aren't sitting too far away (or too close) from or to the camera so your Group Members can see you clearly. 

At this point, you may be feeling the pressure about less-than-flattering camera angles or having an ‘insta-perfect' home. The reality is that your group will be much more interested in talking to you than looking at what is behind you! No one expects everything to go perfectly or for your house to be spotless. They will appreciate you being yourself, so choose to be light-hearted about occasional visitors, such as young children and pets, that may join your meetings from time-to-time!

As Group Guide, it is helpful to view the group discussion as a springboard for deeper connections. Meeting together as a group is so beneficial in terms of intentional, purposeful and focused interaction. But you can encourage members to communicate with one another beyond the context of the wider group; whether that is general chat, sharing prayer requests or discussing the passage in more depth. Lead by example, by initiating follow-up conversations with members of your WordGo Group between Gatherings. You want your members to grow in friendship and authentic community as a result of studying the Bible together.

There are many platforms to choose from that are simple to use and are ideal for online Bible study. Below are some tools that could work for you. Tap a link for details on how to get set up:

Let’s get social! It’s now time to let people know about your WordGo Group. Promote your group on whatever online platforms your contacts use most. If most of your friends are in their 20s and 30s, for example, you could post details on Facebook and Instagram. If the people you know use email or WhatsApp more, contact them this way. In your posts, include details on how to join the group, what study you will be doing, and suggested days and times for meeting.

Do you have friends looking for online material to get them started in Bible study? Why not drop them a link to www.wordgo.org so they can download the app? Welcome them into an international community of thousands going deep into God’s Word together.