Small Group Models

OPEN SMALL GROUPS

Proponent

First Presbyterian Church of Beaver, Pennsylvania
Bridges Community Church

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

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.

Disdvantages

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.


CLOSED SMALL GROUPS

Proponent

North Point Church
Cartersville First Baptist Church

Description

Closed small groups limit the number of participants in order to focus on building trust, intimacy, and accountability between group members. Once a group starts, new members and visitors are generally discouraged from attending meetings. Closed groups usually convene for a specific period of time before "opening" back up to welcome new members. This time period can last anywhere from a semester of study to several years.

Advantages

Strength 1:The members of a closed small group generally have a high expectation for discipleship and spiritual growth.
Strength 2:Closed groups provide an opportunity for deeper levels of trust and accountability.
Strength 3:Closed groups require a high level of commitment from their members.

Disdvantages

Weakness 1:Closed groups can hinder the practice of relational evangelism, as "seeking" friends and family are prohibited from joining.
Weakness 2:Some believe that closed groups have a tendency to become inward-focused, which can eventually lead to cliques, gossip, bitterness, and so on.
Weakness 3:Closed groups do not provide much flexibility for the overall small-groups ministry.


Info gathered from smallgroups.com