I recently asked a question on the Small Group Network Facebook group, “Would anyone say your groups are THRIVING during this time? What is your secret sauce?”

 

Answer: yes, some groups are not only surviving the crisis, they are thriving. Rick Warren shared recently that as of the January 1 of this year, Saddleback had about 6,000 groups. During COVID-19 crisis, they have started 3,000 new groups—a 50% increase. (Watch for an article on that next week.)

 

Secret Sauce: Leadership.

 

Big surprise. Everything rises and falls on leadership. — John Maxwell

 

THRIVING during this difficult time might seem unrealistic. On the other hand, it might be easier to get someone to click on a link to join an online group than it is to get them to get in their car and drive across town. And, some might be bored staying cooped up at home and would welcome some human interaction outside their immediate family. People tend to turn to God in times of pain. As Lewis said it, “God shouts in our pain.” People turned to God in the aftermath of 9/11 and we can expect that they will be turning to God now.

 

Leaders see opportunity where others see only obstacles. Non-leaders think, “Well, this will shut us down.” Leaders think, “What is the opportunity here?” There is an old story about two shoe salesman who went to Africa to sell shoes. One cabled back saying, “Situation is hopeless; they don’t wear shoes here.” Seeing the same situation, the other said, “Endless possibilities, no one here has shoes.” Same situation; one struggled; the other thrived.

 

Here are seven ideas to help lead your online group to thrive during COVID-19.

 

1. If you want people to be interested in you and your group, be interested in them.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking of Social Media as a broadcast platform. Think of it as a way of connecting. Read and comment on other’s posts. Join groups with your common interests. If you are interested in photography, join a local photography group. If you enjoy hiking, join a hiking group. Show an interest in their life. Continued at https://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/7-ways-your-group-can-thrive-during-covid-19/