It might help us to try WhatsApp Communities for the Mission Church.
Over the next few weeks, you might see a link encouraging you to move over from our current WhatsApp group. Here’s a brief summary as to why we’re trying a new thing.
Why are we doing this?
We want to make it easier for people to access the information and connections they want within the Church’s digital space.
WhatsApp Communities allow:
- People to sign up to groups that are relevant to them, so they don’t need to get the info and chat that they don’t want.
- The ability to message everyone in the community via announcements, so that important information for everyone doesn’t get missed.
- Our separate WhatsApp groups to sit under one umbrella, hopefully keeping us better connected.
Is it safe?
Yes, your contact information is only shared with those who you are in groups with. This is just the same as any standard WhatsApp group.
There are also ‘good practice’ rules, just like any online social space. (see below).
What do I need to do?
If you would like to join, simply click on the link when you’re invited to join the Mission Church Community Group.
From there, you can request to join the various subgroups, depending on how relevant they are to you.
All the subgroups you are part of will then be accessible through the ‘communities’ tab on your WhatsApp app.
We’ll give this a go and, if we feel that it is better than the old way, we will slowly close down the old groups.
Can I join more groups?
Yes, just click on a group and request to join it.
If it requires admin approval, you’ll need to wait for that before you’re able to join.
So what are the rules?
Most of this simply revolves around respect and privacy.
Our main aim is to build up and help each other.
- Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is always required.
- Always aim to type in a message what you would be happy to say to someone’s face.
- Admin do reserve the right to close down a conversation if they feel it is not promoting unity or honouring Christ.
- Try to avoid too much self-promotion, over-sharing or frequent links posting.
Our focus should be on the Church, of which we are just a part.
WhatsApp is no replacement for real in-person relationships, and a cup of tea with someone is probably a much better way to share lots of opinions and stories.
What if I want to leave?
The big community group can be left at any point. Subgroups can be muted as well as left.
The aim is to help, so if you find it isn’t helpful, you’re free to step back!
The Mission Church tries to get its notices out through multiple ways (announcements on a Sunday, weekly email, etc.) so there are other ways to keep in touch with what is going on.
And we should repeat for emphasis: Real in-person connections are always better! WhatsApp is only here to assist and help us stay connected in real life!
Any Questions
If you want to know more or need help joining then please get in touch. Either speak to someone at our Sunday Gathering or email us: office@the-mission.org.uk