Being a leader in 'normal' times has many challenges. Then with lockdown came the additional challenge of classes no longer able to meet face-to-face. However, with lockdown came a great opportunity. An open door inviting (and challenging) us to think of different ways of connecting.
As a ministry it has been so encouraging to see how you as leaders have embraced technology to stay connected with your class and keep studying together.
Two such leaders (among others) are Janet and Margo. Both have adapted to the changed circumstances by moving their classes online. In this edition of 'My Story' we hear from them of the benefits and challenges they have faced in doing so.
We pray that as you hear their story you will be both encouraged and challenged.
Encouraged that God's Word is not bound and that through technology we are reaching more people than ever before.
Challenged to seize the opportunity, whilst physical restrictions on meeting continue, to move your own class online and so help others to continue to know God more deeply through the study of His Word.
Here Janet shares her experience of leading a Precept class during lockdown, and of moving from meeting in person to meeting online.
Dave also had the opportunity to speak to one our Precept leaders Margo in Wexford to hear about her experience of taking her Precept class online.
Dave: Hi Margo. Tell me a bit about the study you were doing with you class.
Margo: We were studying a Precept Upon Precept course, Romans Part 1, and would meet most Fridays.
D: And as lockdown took hold, how did you feel about taking your group online?
M: Going online was necessary for us as we wanted to continue, and there was no alternative for us: the virus kind of mandated it! Thankfully I use it in my job regularly, and so had no qualms about going online. It wasn’t as daunting for me as it may have been for others as I was already familiar with it.
D: That was a blessing for you as a leader, but I suppose for some people it may have been a barrier?
M: There were a couple of hesitations from some in the group. For some, the technical aspect may have presented a challenge. For others, it wasn’t practical for them with a family at home at the same time. Most of the group did however join in, and we got one new person who joined. It meant there were six of us online on a regular basis, usually four out of that number would show up in any given week. The first meeting took a bit of getting used to for the group, but everyone picked it up very quickly. Those who did attend online generally were the ones most comfortable with the technology.
D: How did the study progress?
M: We were able to go at the same pace and enjoyed the banter as normal really – but the biggest thing we noticed was how we missed the closeness of meeting in person. Online can seem a bit cold, and there is a warmth in meeting together. When you can give one another a hug or pray together in person; these were important elements that we really missed.
D: Studying together in person is often such an important part of what makes a Precept study special, and it’s very hard to replicate that online. Were there any other disadvantages from meeting online?
M: You are relying on technology, and sometimes technology isn’t always reliable! A lack of internet connection or disrupted internet was a nuisance. As I mentioned, some people weren’t comfortable with the technology, which means you may lose a couple of regulars from the class.
D: What have been the benefits of studying online?
M: There are some very practical benefits from meeting online, particularly time and travel. There is no setting up tables and cleaning up like you have after a physical meeting. Nobody has to spend time travelling to a group either. We would have some people who may have travelled 20 minutes to our study, and so that barrier is removed.
D: What have you learned from this time of studying online during lockdown?
M: Studying online is a workable alternative to meeting in person. It’s given us another option for being able to study if circumstances mean that we can’t meet in person. Though it’s not my preference, it has given us a substitute way of doing things that can hold us over temporarily when necessary. It has also been a means of connecting with those who have been isolated during lockdown. It has definitely made me more sensitive to how isolation can affect someone when it is enforced and not by choice. It’s really made me appreciate how important face to face contact and church fellowship is!
D: I totally agree and studying online in a group can sometimes be the only contact for those who are isolated, which is wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to share some of your insights with us, and may God continue to bless you and your group as you study God’s Word.
The impact of Covid19 will be felt for quite some time and the future is uncertain, as restrictions may be lifted, and at other times may be reinstated. We would encourage you to consider how you can connect with students online and study the Bible together. If you would like any help with setting up an online study, please contact us.