HOW TO END A GROUP
Most churches are looking for ways and opportunities to start new
groups. But sometimes, for various reasons, groups have to be
ended. How you end the group may be the greatest single influence
on how people react to future groups. The ending is key to
participants feeling satisfied, involved, and eager to
participate again. Termination of a group requires increased
leadership, or a more assertive role by the leader.
Why and when groups terminate:
A good leader will:
- The stated length of time expires or the task has been
completed.
- The group explodes in conflict or members are not compatible.
- The group has no common purpose or covenant. Attendance and
behavior can become erratic to the point that members agree
that continuing is counterproductive.
- A conscious decision is made to terminate and remain friends
- for whatever reason. Schedule conflicts, members moving out
of town, and the desire to try something new are examples of
reasons.
- Ineffective leadership.
- The group divides to form two new groups. Some churches do
this automatically when the size of a group reaches a certain
number. This works well in Bible studies.
- There is a conflict with other church programs. Competition
among a long list of activities is common in many churches.
How to close a group:
- Tread gently. Remember that the friendships built in groups
can be among the most meaningful many people have.
- Don't be reluctant to talk about the end. Prepare for the
last meeting before it arrives. Mention the last meeting two
or more weeks before it is to occur. Help members to begin to
work through the closure process.
- Use a flexible last-meeting format. The most important thing
during the last meeting is making sure people go their
separate ways with the greatest amount of comfort and
confidence. Allow and urge members to spend some time
evaluating their experience together in a positive way.
- Have fun and encourage one another. Use an exercise which
promotes affirmation. Encourage members to say good things
about other group members, or share how the group has been
helpful for them. Give everyone the chance to share feelings
for the group or individual members.
- Plan for a reunion so everyone can get together again. Let
the members know about other opportunities to get involved in
groups.
- Pray together. Make sure your group takes advantage of what
they have built together by making their last prayer time as
special as possible.
From Group Building Skills by Judy Hamlin. Copyright
(c) 1994 by New Hope, Birmingham, Ala.,
1-800-968-7301. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.