Discuss Small Group Models
Closed Groups
Is it true that closed groups are best for developing a high level of intimacy, accountability, and trust?
Total Reader Responses: 5 (see below)
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I appreciate Dan's warning of "relational toxicity" for closed groups. I've seen open groups develop intimacy, accountability and trust. And it's amazing that it can happen even as new people join. THe new arrivals tend to witness this phenom, and decide quickly whether they desire these virtues or will run from them.
I totally think that "closed groups" are the best way to develop initmacy and true accountability with others. The problem I think that most people have with closed groups is that they can turn into cliques or inward focused groups. However, I believe that would be avoided if the group goes into it with the plan of splitting at some point in the future. 18-24 months after starting, they should split. That will stop the group from becoming inwardly focused.
I think yes, it makes the relationship between the members of the group more strong.
While it may be true that a closed group will grow deeper in all these areas in the short to medium-term, the longer term reality is that a closed group will not grow deeper in these areas as compared to an open group. Experience and research repeatedly shows that over the long term, a closed group trends toward some elements of relational toxicity. Having the group open to new people or re-purpose themselves occasionally will help maintain high levels of intimacy, accountability, and trust as compared to a group that is always closed.
Yes!! A "Closed" group format allows for your members to become more intimate and relational with each other. It is through relationship that you then can have accountability and trust. We set our limit for the number of members who regularly attend "Closed" group at 15. This tends to work best for our community, but may be to large/small for others. The best advice I can offer you in regards to a "Closed" group is: Plan to end or plan to fail. We set up group celebrations at the end of a teaching series for all of our closed groups. Then we start a new series of groups that become open until the number of members reach the limit once again. This is to ensure that the groups have ample opportunity to attend new groups and also for new members to get involved.
