Comments on: Is Your Small Group Open or Closed?

By: Theresa

Theresa — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:31:17 +0000

I like the nametag idea. It may take a while to learn other people’s names without one. I am the kind of person who will remember someone’s name only if I see it in writing.

By: Trevin Wax

Trevin Wax — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:35:50 +0000

A class may be full, but a full class should not close itself off. It should start a new class. The disciples multiplied themselves. They didn’t stay 12.

Ideally, a class that becomes “full” then spawns off a new class. But it is always open and outward focused.

By: Frances

Frances — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:31:03 +0000

Oh, and one more thought…why did Jesus limit His number of close disciples to 12???!! Why didn’t He keep an empty chair and keep adding more & more? SURELY, He must have had people wanting to join into this circle, but He didn’t include them. What did He say to them if they asked? Helps to keep in mind that Jesus is the Savior and He won’t let people fall in the cracks, even if we as humans, might do that sometimes. Hmmm….just thinking out loud.

By: Frances

Frances — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:28:13 +0000

As a small groups director at a church, there are certainly times when a small group (not so much classes) need to stop taking new people or it never develops the depth, trust & intimacy desired.
In this case, I’ve found it helpful to say the small group is “Full”, rather than “Closed”. The wording communicates a different mindset. “Full” simply describes that its met is limit in number, whereas, “Closed” seems to imply that its “clickish or exclusive”.
Just an idea for you.

By: Paul in Canada

Paul in Canada — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:08:02 +0000

I’ve run into cases where some home church groups are actually fully closed. They are doing some cool things, but as the owner of the Christian bookstore in town, they’ve asked me NOT to refer to them. Most irritating when I know they have room and I know some people would fit in well. Besides, if it were my “church,” I think growth is a natural, organic thing.

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:37:50 +0000

Great insights and ideas. I shared them with my Bible Fellowship leaders and I think we may incorporate some of them.

By: John

John — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:52:41 +0000

Trevin,

Good thoughts here. I appreciate the insight. I would add….

#7: Seek visitor feedback. We constantly need to think about how newcomers experience what to us is very familiar. We need them to help us ‘see’ our group.

#8: Beware of ‘in-house’ lingo. Never assume that everyone knows the lingo. Speak as if your whole community were in the room.

Great post. Keep up the good work.
John
http://kicking-the-darkness.blogspot.com/

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:59:53 +0000

Trevin,

Thanks for the tips. I am a Sunday School Director for a church in Louisville and had heard many of these tips before, but I really like your suggestions #1 & #5. Hadn’t heard those before. I’ll be sharing them with our class leaders at our next leadership meeting. Thanks!

By: Weston

Weston — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:33:49 +0000

I have been a guest in your class several times, and I might not count as a normal guest, but I still feel very welcome and included everytime I’m there. I think these tips above are extremely helpful to making a guest feel at home in small group.