Small Groups Small Group ModelsSmall Group Models
Description
Open small groups have space available for visitors and new members. Most of these groups generally remain "open" all the time, meaning there is no limit to the amount of new people who can join. Some will begin a birthing process for a new group once a specific number of regular attenders is reached. Other models "close" their groups once they reach a certain size--often between 8 and 12 regular members.

Open groups often symbolize their desire for visitors and new members by keeping an "empty chair" present in the gathering, and then praying for the person who will soon occupy that chair.
Advantages
Advantages

Strength 1: Open groups are outreach friendly and a proven tool for multiplication.

Strength 2: They help group members stay focused on evangelism and encourage regular prayer for unbelievers.

Strength 3: They allow for greater flexibility within a small-groups ministry.

Disadvantages
Disadvantages

Weakness 1: Some feel that open groups limit the potential for deeper intimacy, accountability, and trust.

Weakness 2: If not controlled, open groups can grow to a size that damages the community feel of a small-group experience.

Weakness 3: Open groups often do not inspire a high level of commitment.

Bring Structure to Your Ministry

Bring Structure to Your Ministry

Everything you need for the behind-the-scenes work of small-group ministry
Create Sermon-Based Bible Studies

Create Sermon-Based Bible Studies

How to write engaging group studies that tie into your pastor's sermons
Develop a Small-Group Strategy

Develop a Small-Group Strategy

Expert advice on creating a custom plan for your ministry
Multiethnic Small Groups

Multiethnic Small Groups

Diversity helps us grow in Christlikeness.
Successful Short-Term Groups

Successful Short-Term Groups

Whether you're doing a campaign or trying out some specialty groups, use this resource to make them successful.
Missional Small Groups

Missional Small Groups

Learn the benefits and how to make your group missional.
Multigenerational Small Groups

Multigenerational Small Groups

Engaging multiple generations in one group
Meaningful Groups for Emerging Adults

Meaningful Groups for Emerging Adults

Ministering to the life stage of 18- to 30-year-olds

Effective Online Small Groups

It's time to boldly go where few small groups have gone before.
Effective Small Groups for Men

Effective Small Groups for Men

Get great advice and practical tips on ministering to a neglected demographic
Life-Changing Small Groups for Couples

Life-Changing Small Groups for Couples

How to minister effectively to a key demographic

Effective Small Groups for Women

Get great advice and practical tips on ministering to an important demographic
Effective Intergenerational Small Groups

Effective Intergenerational Small Groups

Consider moving beyond age segregation in your church communities.
Starting a House Church

Starting a House Church

Helpful advice from experienced leaders in the simple-church movement
Effective Affinity Groups

Effective Affinity Groups

Train both new and experienced group leaders to build a successful community around affinity.
Recovery Ministries

Recovery Ministries

Make sure your church is reaching out to fallen people.
Effective Turbo Groups

Effective Turbo Groups

Learn about this method of training several new group leaders at once.
Family-Friendly Small Groups

Family-Friendly Small Groups

Why you, and your church, should support the families of group members

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