SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups

Guidelines for Getting Together For Saddleback Church Small Groups

Gathering together in large groups is still in the future. The natural question at this stage of the COVID-19 crisis is, "Can we begin to gather in small groups?"

Sadly, infections are currently increasing at a rapid rate. Our recommendation is that you will continue to meet online as your primary venue, whenever possible and appropriate.  However, we recognize the importance of face-to-face gatherings and the desire we all have to be in proximity with one another. So, if you decide to hold physical gatherings, please follow these guidelines:

• Check the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health websites frequently for the most up-to-date safety guidelines and recommendations, as they are changing often.  (www.CDC.gov   https://www.cdph.ca.gov )
• For the safety of our communities, we suggest there should be no inside gatherings at this point in time. If gathering, we suggest meeting outdoors in groups of 12 or less, wear a mask, and maintain 6' social distancing.  Why? GREAT question! Because we have all experienced firsthand the challenges of maintaining proper social distancing, even with best intentions and best efforts. These guidelines will ensure that gatherings reflect our very best effort to keep everybody safe and healthy during this health crisis.
• If you have children under the age of 18 (SK/SSM) in your small group, by choosing to hold an in-person gathering, you are agreeing to hold everybody in attendance accountable to the above guidelines.

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7 COVID re-entry Musts for the Small Group Point Person

1. Reflect on the COVID season a. What loses—needs to stop b. What was temporary—was good for COVID c. What got discovered—part of the new normal d. What is Core—welcome back

2. What’s the Vision—it can’t be just virtual to physical

3. Clarify success—end in mind

4. Expect high emotion—racial, political, COVID—don’t explain away what’s going on. Presence is more important.  Psalm 27:13

5. Understand your governmental rules—CDC, Fed, State, County

6. Think through your guidelines

7. Pray—read Ephesian 6:10-12

Saddleback's Guidelines for Small Group Gatherings During COVID 19

1. Group Size—Limit group gatherings to no more than 10

Larger groups should sub-group and meet in different places or at different times.

1. Location—Meet only in places where you can safely distance

Meeting outside is encouraged when possible. Hosts should be prepared to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched both before and after group (Door handles, chairs, restrooms, etc.).

1. Protection—Wear masks

This is especially important when people are arriving and socializing. Once group members are safely distanced, masks may be removed at the discretion of the leader and participants.

1. Greetings—Greet from a distance

As much as we may want to greet each other with hugs and handshakes, for now the loving thing to do is to avoid physical contact.

1. Snacks—Bring your own snacks

We are big proponents of food at small group gatherings, but during this season we are recommending that groups not eat together. If you do choose to eat, encourage members to bring their own beverage and snack.

1. Digital Option—Offer a digital option

Not everyone will feel comfortable attending in person at first so consider setting up a computer in your meeting area and using Zoom or some other application so that all group members can participate. As we start to gather together in small groups, remember you can mix it up every once in a while, and meet virtually again.

1. Childcare—Leave children at home

Due to the challenge of distancing with young children, at this time we are asking groups not bring children to meetings.

1. Illness—Stay at home if you are sick

Group members should stay home if they or anyone in their household is sick. If you have a temperature of 99.5 F, please stay at home regardless of how you feel. If you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, quarantine yourself for 14 days.

1. High Risk Individuals – Stay home if you are in a high-risk category

Those who are 65+ or who have serious underlying health conditions should join online rather than in-person. Groups comprised largely of high-risk individuals are encouraged to continue meeting virtually.

1. Expect high emotion—racially, politically and COVID

Don’t explain away what’s going on. Presence and listening skills are more important now more than solutions.  Psalm 27:13-- Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.  Listen, know who is in control and understand everyone is at a different place in each category.

1. Fellowship – Enjoy making a healthy small group

Regardless if you meet virtually or Physically, Christ’s command is that we build healthy small groups by balancing the five Biblical purposes in our groups and our lives—Fellowship, Discipleship, Serving, Evangelism and Worship. So, stay healthy physically and spiritually!

1. Pray – Remember that this is a spiritual battle

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesian 6:10-12

Amber has an educational background in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology. She has been working in Group Life on staff at the Church at Severn Run in Maryland for 5 years. Four years ago, Amber joined a SGN huddle, then became a huddle leader, and now is the SGN state leader for Maryland and moderates our Facebook page as part of the social media team.