Closed, Limited Duration Discipleship Groups
This is my favorite type of group. They meet for a specified time and have a closed membership during that time. These groups may meet for anywhere from six weeks to a year. They are perfect for the September to June schedule or the quarter schedule many churches follow. During the specified time, the group is closed to new members and, when done well, focuses on personal and spiritual growth. The group dissolves at the end of the specified time, eliminating the problem of knowing when to multiply or split.
In my experience, the greatest growth in Christian maturity comes from a committed, closed group of believers who are willing to invest time, energy, and prayer in deliberate growth, not only for themselves but also for one another.
Advantages of Closed Groups:
- Because the group is closed and time-limited, members know they can develop trust and delve into the painful or challenging spiritual and personal growth issues.
- Combined with a good application-oriented Bible study, this type of growth yields the greatest spiritual and personal growth.
- Confidentiality and accountability are easier to manage.
- If made a priority, attendance will be better than any other group type.
Disadvantages of Closed Groups:
- If not managed well, they can become “forever groups” and gradually focus less on growth and more on fellowship.
Read about three other types of groups:
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