Leading an online group

Leading your online meeting

• Welcome everyone. Some people will probably be late online, just like when you meet in-person, so build in some buffer time to catch up in the beginning.

• Teach people how the Mute and Unmute button works. This is an important, and fun way to begin.

• Ask an icebreaker question, and give everyone a chance to answer it.

• Share prayer requests, and be ready to pause for someone going through a tough season. No need to rush through it, relax and slow down. End with prayer.

• Try to be mindful of how long your group will run. Some people have been on video calls all day with work, and their kid's school.

Tech tips for a smooth online meeting

• Lighting: Have the primary light in your house shining onto your face (sunlight from a window or lamp) and not behind you. If the light is in the background your camera will struggle to display your face. Think about where is the best lighting location at the specific time your group meets and test the spot out.

• Sound: Select the quietest place in your house away from distractions and avoid turning your dishwasher, laundry, or fan on right before group time.

• Angle: Make sure your camera on your laptop is pointed at your face. Use a box or books nearby to elevate and level your laptop camera. And don’t sit too far away, let people see your face.

• Settings: Login to your meeting software (Zoom) to change default mic and camera settings. Knowing how to adjust mic/camera will save you from awkward pauses, plus you can help other group members out.

• Learn to use the Mute & Unmute button. The meeting host can Mute/Unmute any participant.

• Recommend group members to download meeting software prior to meeting and give it a test run. Most platforms have a mobile app or desktop software, which is easy to install, but does take time depending on internet speeds.

• Keep safety in mind. Share your links by invite only or password protect them.

After your first meeting

• Follow Up: Check in on those who registered for your group but didn't attend, make sure they know you noticed they weren't there and cared enough to check in.

• Register your Attendance: You will receive an email about 10 minutes before each group reminding you to take attendance. Click the link in that email to check off the names of those who attended, you can also add those who showed up for the first time.

• Pray: Pray through the prayer requests given during the meeting, maybe even send them out to your group to be praying as well. Pray for each group member by name throughout the week.