Q & A
Q & A Discussion: Sam O'Neal
Is it better for a small group to be "open" or "closed"?
| Topics: | Closed groups, Goals, Open groups, Purpose |
| Filters: | Group Leader, New leader, Train |
| Purpose: | Discipleship |
| References: | None |
| Date Added: | May 11, 2009 |
Let's be sure to define those terms first.
An open group welcomes guests and new members. The group wants to grow, and everyone recognizes that the group will grow. For most open groups, there is an expectation that the group will eventually get to a point where multiplication will be necessary (usually when things go beyond 10 people or so)—creating two groups.
Closed groups, on the other hand, prefer not to welcome new members. The goal of a closed group is to build up the bonds and relationships within the group as strong as possible. The general thinking is that inviting new people makes it difficult to maintain intimacy. Closed groups generally do not want to split in the future—they want to keep things how they are.
There has been a lot written about both sides. Many people feel that open groups are best because they encourage evangelism and support the church by bringing in new members. Others think that closed groups are the way to go because it fosters deep community and helps people find life-long friendships.
So, there is no "right" answer. But each group does need to decide which direction to take. If some people want an open group and keep inviting new people, those who would prefer a closed group will be continually frustrated (and vice versa). So it's important to make a decision.
One more thing: there is a third direction. I call it a semi-open group, and it's a combination of open and closed (this is what I use in my small group). This kind of group is closed while the group is in a study. So, if we are going through a book together, we don't add new members into the middle of that study. But once the study ends and we get ready for something new, all of the group members are encouraged to invite people to join us. That way we maintain our intimacy while studying together, but also allow for evangelism and growth in our group during the year.
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There are a lot of ways that closed groups can be a great growth (and possibly healing) experience for the members. My reservation with closed groups is that too often the groups are closed OUTSIDE their meeting structure. Having meetings where the membership remains stable and united is fine, but the growth the members are experiencing should be reflected by a growing openness, outreach, and sharing with others outside the group. Sadly, too often the members of closed groups place their group identity above that of the congregation/body of Christ, resulting in the too often justified accusations of cliquishness and, sadly, even arrogance. If there are closed groups within the congregation, it is important that church leadership addresses any signs of exclusivity beyond the meeting boundaries of the group to avoid the problems too often seen with these kinds of groups.
Closed sounds bad, but it depends of the objective of the group. I have advocated both approaches to small group leaders. Each way needs to reflect the heart of vision of the senior pastor . . . Some groups that are focused on discipleship need to be close. A guest may feel awkward among a group that possess vulnerability, intimacy, and a history of testimonies that only the groups members would understand. I know some have difficulty with the idea of a closed group as if though its unbiblical. Jesus Himself had a closed group and maybe another one within the group with peter, james and John. Some small group leaders whose aim is to make mature disciples need to give themselves permission to have such a group without feeling gulilty. I would encourage church leaders to be multiplying additional groups within churches so other beleivers could have a similar experience. The vision of the pastor can diffuse negativity over the idea of "closed" groups . But i would avoid that word.
Deciding if one should operate a closed or an opened group depends on the revelation received by the founder and the vision or purpose for founding the group.Knowing fully well that the heart of man is desperately wicked and it is only God that knows the heart of man and who is truly serving him,one needs to wait upon God for guidance and direction in choosing the kind of group to operate.FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD.Since Closed and opened groups have their advantages,disadvantages and influence,I strongly believe that none is better than the other.You only need to put into consideration ;your vision,purpose,revelation and environment.With the help of the Holy Spirit who knows all things and will guide us into all truth,we will choose the one that will positively and effectively influence those around us.CLOSED GROUP IS NOT BETTER THAN OPENED GROUP,IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT GOD HAS ASKED YOU TO DO AND WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE.STAY CONNECTED TO GOD
Thank God I read this! :)
I agree with Jodi that a closed group in the church will inevitably make somebody feel rejected. If there is one place nobody should feel rejected, that is the church. But it is also true that the intimacy an the strong bonds that develop within a closed group generate an awesome growth. I want to share with you a perfect combination: As a member of the church, I participate in an open group where we give and receive and learn and enjoy the communion of the saints. Apart from that, I have been hosting for the last five years a small closed group, where each of us belongs to a different church. Imagine, besides being able to share with our sisters no matter what, when we get together, this small "body" has heard the Sunday before ¡five different sermons! We grow, the open group in the church benefits from our growth, and nobody´s feelings are hurt.
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