Discuss Small Group Models
Closed Groups
I'm leading a closed small group and I'm afraid that we've become inward focused. How can I help my group reach out?
Total Reader Responses: 5 (see below)
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Even in a closed group, you can challenge one another to "practice" one's faith by taking on a service or mission project, as mentioned in a previous post. Challenge the group to "step out of its comfort zone" by doing something that requires more than they've done before. This will unify the group but also provide new experiences to share and discuss in future sessions.
How about splitting your group? Then your group can start inviting new members and the new group can also invite new members.
Spend some time focusing outward. Get your group involved in a community/missions/benefit project. Do something as a group that both binds you together as Christians and points your focus towards our broken world. Maybe even consider joining forces with another small group to complete your task.
As Harry said, The goal of an "Open" group is to continually add new members to the group. So if you want it is better to open your group.
Closed groups generally are just that "inwardly focused". The reason we close our groups is that the members can feel connected with each other on a more intimate level allowing for our members to build trust and accountability with each other. We have set our number of members for our closed groups at 15 regular attending members. This allows ample opportunity for everyone to talk if they would like and also to get to know each other better than per say a group of 20 +. If your group wants to become more open to receiving others then you should maybe look at changing the format of your group to an "Open small group". The goal of an "Open" group is to continually add new members to the group.
