WHAT ARE MICRO-GROUPS?
Micro-Groups are 3-5 people who meet regularly (at cafés, parks, for lunch, at workplaces, etc.) to read the Bible, discuss the previous Sunday’s sermon, pray, and point each other to Jesus. Because it’s so challenging to be honest in a big group setting, Micro-Groups are a great way to help people grow towards Jesus and care for each other.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ~ Jesus (Matt. 18:20)
Best practices of micro-groups:
- Be Transparent – Catch up, tell stories, laugh together. Remember that Jesus slowed down to have relationship with trusted friends.
- Grow Together – Dig into Scripture, point each other to Jesus, be encouraging, bear each other’s burdens. Jesus spoke the truth and loved.
- Take Next Steps – Pray, make plans for accountability and growth, follow Jesus in real time. Encourage each other to continually take next steps in your journey with Jesus. The anticipation of “what’s next” is crucial.
FOUR PRINCIPLES OF MICRO-GROUPS:
1. Simple Enough to Reproduce – Micro-groups are intended for rapid multiplication and can be led by anyone, at any time, in any place. A healthy micro-group can consist of people at any stage of spiritual growth. The goal is not to control them but to allow them to multiply through natural relational networks.
2. Holy Spirit is Our Teacher – The key to spiritual growth is learning to hear and follow Jesus through His Spirit. While reading Scripture each day, ask, “What is Jesus saying to me?” and “What am I going to do about it?”
3. Following Jesus is Our Objective – A disciple is a person who follows Jesus, is being transformed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus to make more disciples. Therefore, our goal is to learn to see God at work, hear His voice, understand His ways, and follow Him, which is why we continually ask, “What is Jesus saying to me through His Scripture?” and “What am I going to do about it?”
4. Relationship is Our Vehicle – The Good News of Jesus Christ naturally travels from one relationship to another. Micro-groups are limited to three to five people and are started when you invite your one, and your one invites their one.
HOW TO GET STARTED
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Making friends and connections at The Journey Church happens when you are serving on a ministry team, hosting and attending events, or joining a group.
ASK SOME FRIENDS
The ball’s in your court. Invite some people to join your group. It always feels good to be invited!
MAKE A PLAN
Pick a regular time and place that will be convenient for your group and review the discussion questions from last Sunday's sermon.
MORE INFO
A small, committed group of 3-5 people has a much better chance of digging into the deep root issues that are blocking personal transformation of spiritual growth. In the safety of unconditional love, trust, and confidentiality, people can truly open their hearts. They are more apt to let their “inner conversation” and personal issues come into the light. Through love, we can fight for one another’s transformation into Christ’s likeness (1 John 1:1-7).
Discipleship micro groups meet at least once a week to help each member become like Christ, love God, share the gospel, advance Christ’s Kingdom, and make disciples that make disciples. No one can become like Christ, apart from supportive, loving, and accountable relationships. When 3-5 men or women commit to sharpening one another, opening their hearts with safe and loving friends, they can help each other hear and obey Jesus (1 John 1:3-10).
“… But I already have a small group of close friends. Why should I register it with The Journey Church?”
One of our goals for Micro-Groups is to create a system that enables our members and attendees to grow with and disciple others in a tight, close-knit environment where accountability and trust are both important and emphasized.
We do not desire to micro-manage our Micro-Groups (wordplay intended). We simply desire to stay in the know with you for 3 main reasons: to encourage you, to equip you (when needed), and to celebrate with you.
