“The ladies were full of ideas and wisdom on the chat topic of joy! But there were a few times when some started to get really off the subject. They began to talk about personal issues and draw the attention to themselves. It is fine when they share things like that, but sometimes it goes on for too long, and we lose interest and focus on the topic."

Do you find this to be a common occurrance in your chat sessions? Here are a few ideas to keep that chat moving in the right direction. In leading a chat we must remind ourselves of the purpose of the hosted chat sessions: to share the gospel and encourage people in their spiritual journey. So don’t be afraid to be bold in keeping the topic on target.

• Type in a reminder of the topic at hand.
• Agree that the comments are great, but we need to return back to the topic.
• If it is a serious issue that someone is struggling with, take time immediately to stop the conversation and begin a group prayer for the person.
• Go into private chat with the person and ask them if they could kindly continue that conversation after the hosted chat.
• Ask your co-host to talk with the person in private chat.
• Suggest that the person take time to observe the hosted session and rejoin the conversation at the end of the chat on a topic of their choice.
• Pray, pray, pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation.

God is aware of what goes on in each and every chat session and He will bless your times together with His words and His supernatural agenda as you continue to dedicate the time to Him.

Read more about chat ministry.