Small Groups Get Creative

While the pandemic has been difficult on ministries this year, it has been especially difficult for small groups that regularly meet. Global Coffee Break groups are a regular source of fellowship and Bible study for churches and communities. Some groups have been unable to meet since March, while others have found flexibility and opportunity in using Zoom to conduct online small groups. Other regions have been fortunate and are able to meet once again in person with restrictions. 

An unexpected blessing from this difficulty has been the ability to meet with Global Coffee Break leaders from across the US via Zoom. We have had two national leader calls and they have been a wonderful time of encouragement, brainstorming, and networking. Some of the ideas that have come from the leaders have inspired leaders to try creative efforts to meet during this difficult time.

One group spreads out in their church sanctuary and passing a microphone so everyone can hear. Some groups meet in the church parking lot (weather permitting), using lawn chairs as a kind of tailgating party.

One particularly creative group from Merced, California uses an FM frequency so that everyone can stay in their cars and listen to a speaker talk. They even participate in warm-up questions by answering with car honks! Group leader, Jonae Pistoresi, had this to say: "We had no idea what to expect but God was so gracious and it was a huge success! We had 83 cars with 120 women!" The group even distributed welcome bags for all who attended. Beyond the parking lot meeting, they continue to study on Zoom. 

If you would like to read more about what some of these groups are doing, including ideas for the holidays, please visit the news section of our Discover Your Bible website.