How can groups love, serve, and pray for one another and others (Rom. 12:9-13) while still being wise and loving in how we use strategies like social distancing to slow the spread of illness? For the time being, since no in-person gatherings over 10 people are allowed, and with the way COVID-19 has been spreading across our country and our state, we suggest it’s wise to follow this same guidance no matter the size of the group – so for now, we’re recommending alternative means of connection for groups of all sizes. (Keep up with our latest recommendations on our COVID-19 page.)

Thankfully, we live in a time and place where we have lots of options for this! From conference calls to group texts/emails to live video chat, there are many alternative ways we can maintain connection in order to encourage, motivate, and love one another (Heb. 10:24-25), even at a distance. (Below are a few of our favorites.) Of course, nothing can replace being together in person…that’s why it’s so crucial right now for all of us to go above and beyond in reaching out to one another, making frequent use of the alternative means God has given us in order to cultivate our personal connections the best we can during this unique time.

We also want to thank McLean Bible Church for posting their recommendations and resources for groups online – this resource was very helpful to us in preparing this post.

• Just go to https://meet.jit.si – no login/account required.

• Using a mobile device? Follow the link on the Jitsi Meet page to download the app, then launch it.

• Using a laptop/desktop? No app needed, but Chrome web browser is preferred.

• Now, simply enter a name for your virtual meeting space and go! (Using a sufficiently unique name – such as Npberean YourLastName Grow Group Gathering – helps your group know they’re in the right place and minimizes unintentional drop-ins or the need to set a password.)

• First time using Jitsi Meet? Your device will ask permission for Jitsi to use your mic and camera – be sure to allow these permissions. (Most devices/browsers will remember your choice, so you shouldn’t have to do this again.)

• Once your room is open, you’ll see a Share box in the bottom right (click the ⓘ icon if you don’t) with the link you can send to your group so they can join (also includes dial-in info for anyone joining by telephone).

• Now, they simply visit that link, and they’re in! (If they’re on a mobile device and don’t already have the app, it will prompt them to install. And just like you, if it’s their first time using Jitsi, they’ll need to give it permissions for mic and camera when prompted.)

• And, this room link you’ve set up still works even after you end the call, so your group can go back into it anytime…no need to create it again each week. Just remind everyone what time to be there, and you’re good to go.

• Also be sure to check out our “Video chat tips” section below.

Other alternative means of connection

• Phone call: 1-1, speakerphone, and group calls

• Text message: 1-1 and group

• Skype: video chat; has a no-account-needed option (instructions/support here)

• Zoom: video chat or call in by phone; allows breakout rooms; requires an account to set up meetings – free account may have 40-min. time limit (instructions/support here)

• Facebook Messenger: text or video chat; requires everyone to have a Facebook account (instructions/support here)

• Google Duo or Hangouts: video chat; requires everyone to have a Google account (instructions/support for Duo here, Hangouts here)

• FaceTime: video chat; requires everyone to have an Apple device (instructions/support here)

• Stuck? Contact us here.

Video chat tips

• Test your setup in advance. Verify that the app/service is available, that you know how to use it, that your camera and mic are working with it (often requires granting permissions when prompted), and that others are able to connect, too.

• Use only one device per household. If more than one mic or speaker is active in the same space, it can cause serious issues (e.g. feedback, echo). And running more than one video feed can bog down your Internet connection (making the video quality poor or even unusable).

• Pay attention to your mic. To improve others’ (and your own) audio experience:

  • Use headphones with a built-in mic.

  • Mute your audio when you’re not talking (most apps have a mic button you can use to mute/unmute).

  • Position your mic as close to you as possible.

  • Be aware of where your mic is located and avoid covering it, brushing against it, etc.

• Need to use more than one device in a home? Either move to separate rooms (so devices can’t “hear” each other), or sit side-by-side with at most one speaker turned on (everyone else set volume to zero or use headphones) and only one person’s mic unmuted (let it pick up all voices).

• Use a laptop/desktop computer if possible. Video requires a strong data connection. Most laptops/desktops can physically plug into your router/modem (which is best), or if you do need to connect wirelessly, they’ll tend to have a more powerful Wi-Fi adapter than most mobile devices.

• Troubleshooting a poor connection?

  • A good first step is to move closer to the source of your wireless signal (your wireless router or access point).

  • It may also help to ensure only one device is using your Internet connection. Multiple data streams (and esp. multiple video streams) can quickly decrease the quality of your experience. One easy way to ensure other devices aren’t sharing your connection: power them off.

  • You can also try switching to a laptop/desktop computer, which usually has a stronger wireless connection and/or the option to physically plug into your router/modem.

  • Some ad blockers interfere with some sites, so it may help to whitelist the site you’re using (or just completely disable your ad blocker when using video chat).

What about meeting in person?

As we’ve shared above and on our COVID-19 page, we believe it’s wise and loving to avoid all in-person gatherings during this time. If your group (of 10 or fewer) is facing conditions that make it crucial to gather in person, we strongly recommend the following precautions, not only for the good of those who are gathering, but also for the good of all the people you’ll interact with after you gather. (Based on CDC protection guidance and guidance from NE DHHS.)

• Do not attend if you (or anyone in your household):

  • have recently had any symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough, fever (be sure to check before gathering!), sore throat, shortness of breath, or runny nose (see CDC illness guidance),

  • have traveled in the past 14 days outside the state or anywhere with active cases of COVID-19,

  • have any reason to believe you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or

  • are in an at-risk group (esp. older adults or those with underlying health conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes).

• Fully disinfect all surfaces before and after your gathering (see CDC’s protection guidance or complete disinfection guidance).

• Wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) upon arrival at the gathering and upon returning home.

• Either wash hands or make use of hand sanitizer as appropriate during the gathering (see CDC’s handwashing guidance).

• Maintain appropriate social distancing (at least 6 ft.) between members of different households and their belongings. This includes avoiding contact such as handshakes and hugs.

• Wear a cloth face covering, particularly when other social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain (see CDC’s page on cloth face coverings).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue (and discard immediately) or your sleeve, and wash hands immediately.

• It’s probably best to avoid serving food or drinks. At minimum, any food or drinks should be served individually using disposable products.