What is the Difference Between MicroGroup and a Small Group?

Let’s first contrast the difference between a small group and a MicroGroup by first giving the general characteristics of a small group. The usual size of small groups ranges from 6 to 20+ people, if you include a house church within this frame. There are many varieties of small groups which includes couples, singles, widows, divorced, and others. Any mix of these is possible.

The basic purpose of the small group is to provide a safe step into becoming more personal and vulnerable within a subset of a congregation. The motivation to a part of a small group is usually a combination of a desire to belong and be known as well to gain some group insight and application of Scripture.

This is a place where you tell your own journey of faith and hear others. The Scriptures are processed through interactive questions. The “leader” acts as a facilitator drawing out people’s observations. Most often minimal preparation is required by the group members.

Show up and engage.

There is a caring component where are in touch with the joys and concerns in each other’s lives. Small groups are the toe-in- the-water of being known, but not transparently so. There is most likely no formal covenant to which all agree, though there are probably some agreed upon expectations verbalized, such confidentiality or “If you can’t make it, let the host or leader know."   

 What's the difference?

The obvious contrast of a small group with a MicroGroup is its size of 3-4. A major reason to keep the group this size is so that you can create transparent space. There is a greater possibility of deep trust and vulnerability in a MicroGroup as compared to the usual small group.

The major distinctive feature of a MicroGroup is a commitment to a formal, written, mutual covenant that states the commitments and expectation in the relationship.

This raises the bar of seriousness.

Generally, the groups meet weekly for 90 minutes. You will come together with a lesson prepared so that you can share the insights that you have received from your study and application of God’s Word. Each person in the group is, in a sense, a “teacher” in that we learn from each other.

Though this group exists to stimulate each person’s desire to go deep in the Lord and his service, the experience is designed to equip and motivate each participant to become a disciplemaker.

Upon completion of an initial group, the members take initiative to form their own groups providing the opportunity for an intentional, relational foundation laying experience. This is accomplished by each person taking multiple opportunities to lead the group so that they can gain confidence in their future leadership.  

Coaching MicroGroups

A Coaching MicroGroup (CMG) is our introductory training tool on how to grow healthy multiplying MicroGroups. In 8-12 weeks of online sessions, you are equipped to know how to launch your own MicroGroups. New CMGs are starting all the time.

We do not grow in isolation.

A matter of timing and motivation

Simply stated, "a baby cannot eat a steak." We all start out as babies and grow into different stages. When you are ready to determine your direction, making decisions to be nurtured by eating "spiritual food," God will provide the opportunities.

Get to know others in a large group, a small group, a social group, and in a MicroGroup.

Your challenge is to find out where you are on the path of growing towards Christlikeness in your travels to become a disciple who makes disciples. God is in the timing.