by Nikole Hahn
A simple guide on how to use social media and technology to keep life on some sort of normal in this period of church closures, quarantines, self-isolation, and social distancing due to COVID19.
- Bible Studies: Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Discord can be used to lead a video Bible Study like your face-to-face. This is an opportunity to invite people from your community. Hold the Bible Studies during times when the rest of your community can join you, too. Think of the working class in your planning.
- Small Groups: Your small groups are going to need your continued support as we face the challenges of social distancing. Use Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Discord to continue meeting. As you meet people locally online, invite them to join you. When the church opens again, you may find them meeting you in person.
- Church on Saturday or Sunday: Virtual Reality has church every weekend through AltspaceVR. Your church may use Youtube, Facebook, or IGTV to do your worship service. Instead of treating your online service as a pulpit, treat it as a coffee shop. Ask people questions. Pray with your words for people so they can read it and pray with you. Worship with your words in the chat. Share the live feed to local Facebook groups or invite someone to join you in a “watch party”.
- Socializing: You can use almost any video gaming system to play video games with people from across the world, even those next door.
- Daily Live Postings: You can use your Facebook Live and IGTV to read the Bible, talk to people, pray with people, and give encouragement.
I can’t recall who said it, but another communicator pointed out that eye contact (Zoom, Discord, Skype, Google Hangouts and others) helps others not feel isolated. Plus, in ministry, you do not want to lose momentum. Right now, more than ever, we need to be together and this means recognizing the positive impact of social media and other technology on community.
What other creative ways are you using social media and technology to make disciples?