Originally posted 07-24-2009. Reposted 06-23-2010.
——————————————————————–
There’s something I don’t get about the online small groups debate: I don’t get why it’s being debated.
People argue that people need physical touch, eye contact, proximity etc. for a real community experience. Yes, it is a proven fact that all of those play a part in human interaction, but no it is not a proven fact that they are needed for community. Why do I say it’s not proven? Because my own personal experience says otherwise.
I’m in a small group that meets online. I live in different states than most of the other members. We meet via video on www.tokbox.com and it is one of the best small group experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Please don’t tell me that online community isn’t authentic. Please don’t tell me it’s not real.
You can’t tell me that I’m not experiencing authenticity, honesty, accountability, friendship, passion, devotion, love, and even mission. The only person who knows what I’m experiencing is me. So you have one of two choices when I say that online community is as powerful and as real as any face-to-face group: believe me or think I’m a liar.
Here’s my two cents: those who say it isn’t real only think that because they’ve not experienced legitimate community online. Think about the people you’ve met in your church who say about regular small groups, “I tried a small group but it just didn’t work”. That’s because they didn’t really experience community. They tried it but they didn’t do it. It’s like my favorite philosopher, Yoda, once said, “Do or do not, there is no try.”
So get out there and stop guessing about whether or not online community is real. Stop poking, prodding and giving it a “try”. Actually get out there and start an online group. Really run at it with commitment. Do it or don’t do it. Either way it won’t change my experience and it certainly won’t change my opinion. I’m an online grouper…I’m one for life!
Alan, I’m with you here. There is no question in my mind that real community is happening – perhaps even more readily than I’ve seen it happen in physical groups.
I’ll take em, because I’ve seen real community happen time and time again. As a co-leader of two Lifegroups, one in person and one online, and also the sole leader of another face to face LifeGroup, I have to say that there is more openness in the online group than in both the in person groups combined. Many, I know, have said that’s imposible, but just like with your case, they might as well call me a liar, because I live it day in and day out. As a matter of fact, I’m looking into and praying about starting an online mens LifeGroup soon, just for this very reason.
Willing to do anything short of sin to see lives changed and relationships built.