Ask & receive

Group, Jul/Aug 2003

I plan to offer an online small-group Bible study using instant messaging. I'm wondering about ground rules and the best way to give the lesson (cut and paste it? email it in advance?). Any pointers?

Anonymous Via Internet

You could put the info onto a Web page with a link to a chat room... You don't want to cut and paste the study in an IM because every time a new person logs into the discussion, you'll have to resend it.

Roxanne Jester

Rio Rico, Arizona

I've been holding a weekly chat/discussion with a group of students for about six months... Make sure you're familiar with the instant messaging world! Students will say things they wouldn't say to your face. You've got to be ready for that. They all talk at once. Topics fly in and out... They also chat with many other friends at the same time! Many students have over 100 names on their list and may be chatting with 12-15 of them at one time. You may want to ask your students to get a separate screen name reserved just for your online Bible study. That way they won't be interrupted during your time. It's very important that you get to know the lingo and abbreviations.. .You've got to understand how things work or no one will respect you or your lesson time.

Lisa Marion

Orange County, California

Your plan sounds very cool, techie, and "with it," but instant messaging can be too impersonal. I know teens are everywhere all the time, and it's difficult to meet with them. However, teens need someone to spend time with them... And there's no accountability behind a computer screen. Jesus was always interested in the "personal touch." I only use instant messaging for information or a short chat. Your Bible study will be way too involved for what you can properly give online, and its seeming success may be short-lived.

Rob Anthony

Atlanta, Georgia

I've been using instant messenger for online ministry for some time. Here are a few of the things I've learned: Make sure you have a starting time and an ending time. When the ending time comes be disciplined enough to end... I'd also use a private chat room so everyone can see what the others are saying. This is relatively easy to do and can be set up using most instant messaging programs. Remember students will probably be more open online. This means you have to keep your guard up to make sure the conversation is appropriate. Don't let online contact replace personal contact! Phone calls and personal visits are still very important. When someone hears your voice, experiences a hug, or just a pat on the back, it's much more meaningful. If you have a Web site, post any information the students need to have, and then give them the link... Create some ground rules for online etiquette, and post them at the start of every study so new people can see them. Use common sense and don't discard the basic rules of ministry just because you are online.

Anonymous

Via Internet

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Girls seem to crave spiritual learning and growth more than the guys. . . My comrades in ministry see the same thing. What can we do to grab the guys?

Anonymous

Via Internet