Ending Small Groups

Does every small group have a distinct life cycle?
Every small group has a beginning, a middle and an end. We hear a lot about starting small groups and helping the group to establish trust. But planning for the end of a group is seldom discussed. Each small group needs to be helped to have a realistic understanding that the group is going to end. Both ends of the life cycle need an equal amount of attention.
What do group members need to know to prepare for their group finishing?
People often think that if something is really good it will continue. If the group is helpful and beneficial to those in it, the group will grow. But when a group begins to plateau and some members are increasingly absent, often group members feel guilty… they feel that the group has failed. Group members need to be aware that this point will come regardless of how successful or unsuccessful they have been. Leaders need to be aware upfront of the fact that there will always be groups dying and groups being born.
What problems occur when a group is not prepared for termination?
If you don’t help people deal with the loss of their group, then they may be emotionally blocked from going into a new group experience.
What is a healthy way to help a group come to termination?
Before ending a group the members need to tell their stories. They need to give thanks where thanks is due and to identify and discuss significant experiences of Christian growth or new understanding that have taken place within the group. They need to talk about how the group has left its mark on them.

# A Blessing Exercise ( When Finishing Your Group)
Before a group disbands, it is important that there be healthy closure. Jacob told the angel, “ I will not let you go until you bless me.” When your group discontinues ( as every group will sooner or later), you are –in fact—letting go of one another. Some of the ways you might “bless” one another include:
Prayer. Each member of the group might offer a special prayer for each of the others, such as, “My prayer for you is…” or” May God grant you …”
Forgiveness: In some ways a blessing is a way of saying. “Maybe we have disappointed each other. Maybe we have not met each other’s expectations. And I let you go so that you are free.” this might require forgiving old wrongs and putting your house in order.
Encouragement and affirmation. Often groups finish because members are beginning to wrestle and respond to new calls. Part of blessing is to help people explore these new callings … to help people make decisions and take the next step. They need to move on in their journey with your affirmation and encouragement.