Innovative uses of technology go beyond worship. They also extend into other areas of
congregational life where people with mobility issues or other challenges that
make personal contact difficult can participate fully. Examples include Board and committee
meetings, Adult Faith Development classes, book groups, meetings with the
minister, small group ministry, leadership training and “brown bag” discussion
groups, to name a few. While face to
face contact is optimal, we are realizing that it is not always necessary, and
it is certainly the next best thing to being there.
Several web-based platforms are available for people to meet
virtually. Skype, Zoom, Anymeeting,
Fuze, and Google Hangout are among the most popular. You may have a favorite of your own. Each comes with their unique advantages and
disadvantages. But in general, for large
gatherings, programs like Fuze and Anymeeting are preferred, since you can
manage the discussion via raising of hands or flags. For more intimate gatherings, Skype or Google
Hangout are preferred.
The technology is being refined every day but for people with hearing or vision limitations, we're not there yet. Challenges in seeing and hearing well while using these platforms still exist. And for those who are not used to technology and meeting virtually, the glitches can be frustrating. So we need to be mindful of who is in the virtual room with us and we need to be understanding. Here is the mantra that we should follow: Keep an Open Mind; Exercise Patience; Have Faith.
For more on virtual meetings in congregations, check out Rev. Renee Ruchotzke's video from the Central East Regional Group (CERG), "Best Practices in Virtual Meetings."
-Mark Bernstein
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