Encourage everyone to practice social distancing (remember: that's six feet in all directions).  This is one of the best practices to help everyone stay well. 

The safest practice for indoor gatherings  is to wear a mask. We ask that as a leader, you communicate clearly with your group what the expectations are regarding face coverings, especially if you aren't requiring masks. That way everyone can make the decision that best works for them.

Have soap and water easily available for frequent hand washing. Elbow bumps are a perfectly acceptable way to greet one another. 

We know that kids struggle with social distancing. If your group has kids attending, work out a plan together that ensures safety. 

If weather impacts the day you are scheduled to meet, just gather online. There is no pressure for you to move your group indoors, if you aren't ready to have people inside your home.

If you aren't feeling well, cancel your group and rest.  Encourage those in your group to do the same. We want everyone to be safe and healthy. 

There is a free video chat option with anyone that has a Facebook account and Messenger app on their mobile device. To set up the group, click the messenger icon in the top right corner of your Facebook page. Choose all the people you would like to add to your video chat. Then, choose the camera in the top right corner to begin the live video chat. Participants have the ability to mute themselves and chat during the video chat.

Zoom is an excellent platform to hold a group as it provides options to set up group meetings with stable video support. It is free for meetings up to 40 minutes. A monthly subscription for group meetings beyond 40 minutes is affordable. Zoom provides the ability to chat and upload resources during the meeting. There are breakout room options as well. Zoom can be easily downloaded on a computer, phone or tablet. Meetings can be scheduled with links sent to participants for access to the meeting.

Google Hangouts is another viable option for group video meetings. It is easy to add people to a group and share a link for joining the group. The organizer of the group must hold a Google/Gmail account, however other participants do not.

Leaders are free to select an approved curriculum that works for their group. There are several effective options.

• Read a book together and discuss.
• Watch a video in advance of the group and discuss during your virtual meeting.
• Watch last Sunday's message and have discussion centered around applying biblical principles to daily life. 
• Download a digital study that you can watch and discuss together.

Leading an online group is a lot like leading an in-person group. There is discussion to facilitate, icebreakers to open the group, and times of prayer. However, there are some differences. Click here to read an article that will help you select which online platform to use and provides practical tips for a successful online group experience. 

LG Coaches train new leaders one-on-one, taking them step-by-step through leader expectations and how to make your group a life-giving experience for all who attend. To access our training materials, click on the links below.

• LG Leader Manual
• What Is Life Group Leadership?
• Why Do We Do Life Groups?
• How Do I Lead A Life Group?
• When Do I Grow Future Leaders?
• How Do I Use the HUB?
• Sample Welcome Email

You aren't leading alone. We have a team of people happy to coach you through your life group leadership.  Every new leader is assigned a coach and a veteran leader can request a coach at any time. 

Prayer is so powerful and critical to life group ministry.  Every life group leader commits to pray for his/her group members every day. Your coach and the Life Group Ministry team are praying for you. If you have a specific need, email us and we will pray! 

Looking for ways to stay connected to your group during the week? Here are a few of our favorite options:

• Marco Polo
• What's App
• GroupMe
• HouseParty