Understanding the Differences between Open Groups and Closed Groups (and the Benefits of Both) – Rainer on Leadership #520

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:
Defining open groups
Defining closed groups
Open groups can be very evangelistic
Open groups must have great flexibility
Open groups tend to benefit the overall growth of the church
Closed groups can be great for specific and specialized training
Closed groups tend to include classes that build on one another
Closed groups should have a definitive termination date
Summary: Both groups can be good. Both groups can be bad.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
Church Answers
SmallGroup.com
Gospel Foundations
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.
For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Be sure to check out Midwestern’s Doctorate of Ministry Degree. The D.Min. is an advanced degree preparing students for leadership in local churches and denominational service. It is also fully attainable in hybrid format which means you don’t have to move to pursue the degree.
Find out more at mbts.edu/dmin.
Feedback
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