Understanding the Differences between Open Groups and Closed Groups (and the Benefits of Both)

Podcast Episode #520

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Groups are important to discipleship in the church. Today we discuss why both open and closed groups are needed and how they can benefit your church.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

• As they grow larger in worship, churches should also be growing smaller in groups.
• Small groups have to be flexible as the church grows.
• Closed groups are great for deeper study of a topic in a church.
• Groups are a great way to engender greater commitment within the church.

The details we discuss about groups are:

1. Defining open groups
   
2. Defining closed groups
   
3. Open groups can be very evangelistic
   
4. Open groups must have great flexibility
   
5. Open groups tend to benefit the overall growth of the church
   
6. Closed groups can be great for specific and specialized training
   
7. Closed groups tend to include classes that build on one another
   
8. Closed groups should have a definitive termination date
   
9. Summary: Both groups can be good. Both groups can be bad.
   

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

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