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Q & A Discussion: Bill Tenney-Brittian

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If our group can only meet once or twice a month, what are the best ways to stay connected in between gatherings?

Bill Tenney-Brittian responds in our Q & A discussion.

Topics:	Communication, Connecting, Fellowship, Relationships
Filters:	Group Leader, Host, Train
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Acts 2:42-47
Date Added:	November 17, 2008

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The snapshot of the early church in Acts probably contains the most helpful instructions that anyone can offer. In Acts 2:42–47, we read that the earliest church didn't depend on weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly gatherings. Instead, they got together daily. Of course, not everyone met as a large group; they met each other in small groups, family groups, and as friends. They met to chat, to share meals, to compare faith notes, and to encourage each other in every aspect of their lives.

With the advent of every sort of communication device imaginable, there's no reason we can't emulate the early church. The key will be to make a habit of regular contact, and in a society that values independence more than almost anything else, this isn't an easy habit to inculcate.

One temptation is to exclusively use email as our primary communication tool. Now, don't get me wrong—a timely and well-worded email can make my day. However, most of the emails I get from well-meaning friends are forwards of some cute image or a funny joke they "just had to pass on" to me. While these are clever, they aren't the same as an email encouraging me in my faith (which is the point of staying connected as Christians). So, if you're going to use email, make them count.

Of course, the most important connection is a physical get-together. As a small-group leader, you must model this faithfully if you expect your group to follow your lead ("Do as I say, not as I do" is not allowed). Go have coffee with a member or two of your group. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner together as families. Meet for prayer or as an accountability diad or triad.

The next most important connection is a vocal get-together. Today, most cell phones (and even many home phones) have three-way calling. With some creativity, the whole group can meet via a string of three-way calls. Bob calls Carl and adds Sue; Carl adds Frank, who adds Pamela; and so on. Of course, one-on-one check-ins are the most effective. A couple of the New Testament's "one another" passages includes the call to encourage one another and "spur one another on to love and good deeds." Imagine what life would be like if each of us got one or two calls every day to check on our faith behaviors!

So, be it in person or not, getting together between gatherings is important for all group participants—even if you are meeting every single week.