Digital Best Practices

Selecting a Platform

Choose a free video-conferencing platform:

Host a 60- to 90-minute video meeting with your members to:

Connect (15–25 minutes): Check in with your group. Need some new ways to start the conversation? Check out these icebreaker questions or use our Digital Story Cards.
Learn (35–50 minutes): The group will dive into a particular topic or study. Either before or during your meeting, you will watch a video, read an excerpt, or listen to a podcast.
Apply (10–15 minutes): Share what you’ve learned, what you’ll do with it, and close in prayer.

Communicate with your group early and often. Send weekly emails or text reminders regarding group meetings, and let your group know you are there for them.
Turn off any potential distractions ahead of time, so you can be fully engaged.
Check in with group members after week six. Ask: How are you doing? How is the digital format working? Do you feel you are connecting with other group members? How can I pray for you? How can I help?

Since background noise can cause feedback and static noise on your call, ask group members to mute themselves when they are not talking to eliminate feedback.
If you have others in the home (e.g., roommate or spouse) who are not in the group, please consider using headphones to maintain confidentiality.
Consider playing background music as people initially join the call. Consider using a playlist of worship music from Buckhead Church.

Download the video-conferencing platform you chose ahead of time and test it to become familiar with it.
To ensure the integrity and safety of your digital group, please make your meeting links password protected, create a waiting room, or make the meeting invitation only.
Go online early before each meeting to ensure your video and audio are working.
Sit close to the screen, so it appears you are sitting across from them. Be mindful of the camera angle and what is behind you.
Good lighting goes a long way. Place lighting behind your computer or phone, not directly behind you, so it brightens your face.

You or your group members feeling extra exhausted meeting digitally? Check out our tips to help with “Zoom Fatigue”.

Reach out to your Groups Director if you have any questions! Not sure how to reach your Groups Director? Email us, and we’ll connect you.