The Next Few Months for Your Group

Posted by Eric Torrence, Central Groups Pastor, on May 15, 2020

The Next Few Months for Your Group

Now that restrictions are starting to ease in Texas, every business, industry, organization, and type of gathering is grappling with what the road ahead looks like and what the “new normal” will be, including our church and your small group. In some ways, small groups might seem like the easiest or most logical place to start when it comes to gathering in-person again. But there are some considerations to think through and challenges to face. So, how should your group approach the next few months? Here’s my quick answer and then I’ll explain more in the rest of this blog.

At the end of the day, we are relying on the wisdom of leaders and the group collectively to make decisions about what they feel comfortable with as long as it follows CDC and state guidelines. However, we want to recommend that for the rest of the season (May and June), your group’s regular gatherings happen digitally. I don’t think it’s a problem if 2-3 families want to get together in-person. In fact, that’s probably a good thing! But I think it’s best for your official group meetings to happen digitally for May and June.

After that, we recommend your group take a break from your regular schedule in July. That will give everyone a chance to recharge for the summer and hit the ground running in the fall. In the fall, we will start promoting groups in August and have open enrollment where people can find or re-join a group. The groups season will officially launch right after Labor Day. That’s the quick(ish) answer.

Now for the longer one, and some thoughts for you to consider as you make wise decisions for those in your sphere of influence. A leading small group expert, Chris Surratt, wrote an excellent article that is worth reading: Is your small group post-Covid ready? He outlines a few good questions to ask and some of the factors every small group will wrestle with. Factors like how to handle childcare, serving food, having a bathroom people feel comfortable with using, and how to socially distance in a living room. Many of us don’t have a room large enough where 15 people could spread far enough apart to match current guidelines. I’ve heard valid opinions and perspectives across the spectrum on where people are at with interacting with others right now. The factors mentioned in the article might seem like overkill to some of us. Totally get it. But for others of us, those factors could keep us from coming to group. And it increases the burden on the host to make it work for people across the board. This is why I think it’s best to stay digital for the rest of this semester. It allows your group to finish the season strong and intact, where no one falls through the cracks because they weren’t comfortable with new meeting arrangements. And then in the fall, when we have more perspective, new guidelines, and a fresh season to start, each group and group member can make a decision for what they want to do. I imagine groups will vary–some will mainly meet in-person, some only digitally, and others a hybrid of the two. Group members can decide what fits for them personally. And if it doesn’t, we’ll have plenty of other groups for them to connect to that would fit their preferences.

We’re planning to offer more digital groups than we have in the past. So, in summary, here are the different stages we’re recommending for groups to do over the next few months:

Stage 1 (May and June): Finish the Season Strong. We recommend official group meetings happen digitally. If comfortable, we encourage 2-3 families or friends to gather in person outside of official meetings. Stage 2 (July): Take a Break. Mix up your normal meeting rhythm. Consider doing a social event here or there. We’ll plan to do a training toward the end of the month for leaders to prep for the next semester. Stage 3 (August and September): Launch for Fall. In August we’ll promote all groups and have an open enrollment where people can join or re-join a group. We’ll ask all groups to start meeting again right after Labor Day.
This is the plan, but as you know, plans can change right now. We’ll keep watching to see what happens and what the government recommends and make adjustments accordingly. Our goal is to love one another and help each other take steps in our walk with Jesus. Community has never been more important than it is right now. Thank you for fighting through “screen fatigue,” changing dynamics, learning new technologies, and this “new normal.” A group of friends pulling for each other makes a world of difference. And you all are making that happen.

For more information about groups or to join a group at Chase Oaks, visit our Groups page.


Share This:

Recent Stories

Swipe to Discover more

Speaking from the Heart: A Family Mission Trip to Casa Hogar Orphanage

Oct 08, 2024

What size impact can a young family have on a short mission trip to a Mexican orphanage when they don't speak the language? A big one, speaking from the heart.


Fasting: The Worst, Best Thing

Sep 25, 2024

If fasting is hard, why do we do it at all? Read more about this challenging—yet rewarding—spiritual discipline, here.


5 Facts To Know About National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sep 15, 2024

It's National Hispanic History Month! Look here for five interesting facts to know about this popular celebration.


College 101: Key Tips To Survive Your First Year

Aug 19, 2024

The first year of college is exciting, but it can also be scary. Here are tips on surviving your first year and dealing with anxiety and stress in college.


The Priess "Cave": A Hangout for Just Guys

Aug 15, 2024

Chase Oaker Steve Priess has a dedicated space for just the guys to enjoy food, watch sports, and hang out. Learn more about his unique "Man-Cave-as-ministry" here.


4 Questions To Help You Say Goodbye to Summer

Aug 12, 2024

Fall is almost here. But before saying "goodbye" to summer, take some time to reflect on the last few months using these 4 simple questions.


10 Questions You Might Be Asking About Joining a Group

Aug 08, 2024

New to groups, or not sure if they're right for you? We get it! Check out answers to 10 common questions you might be asking about joining a group, here.


How Do I Make Friends as an Adult?

Aug 06, 2024

It's not just a question for kids: adults also want to know how to find and nurture quality friendships. Find some helpful tips for building connections, here.


Two Essential Back-to-School Checklists

Jul 15, 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL. Whether those words prompt panic or joy, we all want to make this year a great one for the kids. Use the following two checklists (one for “checking off” and one for “checking in”) to make sure everyone is ready to go!


Five of the Best "4th of July" Firework Displays in DFW for 2024

Jun 26, 2024

Nothing says “4th of July” quite like fireworks! Find some of the best and most spectacular displays around DFW, right here.