We’re encouraging our Gospel Communities (GCs) to gather this week by video. This is uncharted territory for us as a church! So, in anticipation of these gatherings, I put together a list of 10 practical tips for ensuring the best possible experience.
Watch the video above or read the CliffsNotes version below:
(1) CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLATFORM
The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX put together this helpful chart outlining the pros/cons of a few popular group meeting platforms (more detailed information is available here as well). I would also recommend that you take a look at Webex which just lifted its 40-minute meeting limit for its free tier.
Services
(2) THINK ABOUT KIDS
Think creatively about this. Should you Include them in your video hangout? Start a separate video meeting just for them? Maybe starting your gathering after bedtime is a good option if you have a lot of young kids in your GC.
(3) SHOW US YOUR FACE
Turn on your video and let us see your smile!
(4) USE THE BIGGEST SCREEN YOU CAN
If your phone is the biggest screen you have, then use your phone. But, if you have a larger screen (e.g. tablet, laptop), then consider using it instead. I find that larger screens provide a more “immersive” experience when I’m having a conversation via video.
(5) FIND GOOD LIGHTING
Make sure your face is well-lit and beware of windows or bright lights behind you—they make it difficult to see your face. It’s best if windows or bright lights are in front of you, shining on your face.
(6) CHECK YOUR MICROPHONE
Be sure to ask the group how well they can hear you—especially if you’re using the microphone on bluetooth headphones.
(7) USE HEADPHONES IF YOU CAN
If possible, wear headphones. This also makes for a more immersive experience and helps prevent echo/feedback (admittedly, most services do a fairly good job of combatting this). Of course, headphones are only an option if you’re the only one in the room.
(8) FIGHT THROUGH THE AWKWARDNESS
Meeting with our GCs via video is new for most of us and it’s going to be awkward at times. There are new dynamics at play. There will be awkward silences. People will talk over one another. Picking up on visual cues and body language will be more difficult. You’re going to forget to unmute your microphone before you speak. And so on...
Acknowledge the awkwardness, both ahead of time and as it arises, and fight through it!
(9) FOCUS ON THE CONVERSATION
Be present. Out of love and respect for those in your GC, fight the temptation to multitask and do things like check your email or scroll through Facebook while you’re meeting.
(10) FIND A QUIET ENVIRONMENT
Background noise is often more distracting via video than in person and it can drown out conversation on a video call. Be especially mindful of kids and pets. If it’s loud where you are, then make sure to mute your microphone.
Finally, if you aren’t in a Gospel Community and would like to be, please fill out the Gospel Community Interest Form.
We’ll be praying for you as you gather this week! May your time together be edifying, encouraging, and enjoyable.