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Back to the Beginning: How the Early Church Inspires Today’s Microchurch Movement


Loaf of bread, a pitcher of water, and a wooden cross on a table in a field. Mountain in the background under a clear blue sky. An inviting path leading to the mountain.
Exploring a simple and pure expression of church: Microchurch

We want to start with a simple truth: We don’t have all the answers about microchurch. But we do have a deep desire to follow Jesus and to align our lives—and how we “do church”—with what we see in Scripture. We love traditional modern church models. We know God works through larger church expressions in amazing ways and we have strong ties to many prevailing churches in our communities. However, what if church could be simpler? What if it looked more like what we read about in the book of Acts?

At The Way Table Microchurch Network, we’re just everyday believers, supporting a healthy spiritual space where other believer's are gathering in homes, coffee shops, workplaces, and neighborhoods, trying to live out the calling of the church in a way that feels relational, and focused on Jesus.

We’re not inventing something new. In fact, we’re trying to recover something ancient. Perhaps reverse engineering modern church to its simplest and purest form...then simply moving with the Holy Spirit.

What Did the Early Church Look Like?

In the book of Acts—right after Jesus ascends and the Holy Spirit comes—we get a beautiful snapshot of what the early church looked like:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... All the believers were together and had everything in common.”—Acts 2:42, 44 (NIV)

They gathered daily, often in homes. They shared meals. They prayed together. They helped those in need. And they boldly shared the good news of Jesus in their communities.

There were no church buildings, big budgets, or polished programs. What they did have was the Holy Spirit, a shared mission, and deep, relational community.

That sounds a lot like what we long for today.

What Is a Microchurch Anyway?

You might be wondering: What is a microchurch?

A microchurch is a small, spiritual family centered around community, worship, and mission—what many call the “ecclesial minimum.” These aren’t Bible studies or small groups attached to a bigger church. Microchurches are fully functioning expressions of church, just smaller and simpler.

At their core, microchurches:

  • Live life in community

  • Center themselves in worship of Jesus

  • Engage intentionally in mission to the world around them

Sound familiar? That’s the same pattern we see in Acts.

The Ecclesial Minimum: The Foundation of Church Life

Let’s talk for a moment about those three building blocks of a microchurch—community, worship, and mission. These aren’t fancy words; they’re essential to how the early church lived and how we’re trying to live now.

1. Community

This is more than just hanging out. It’s deep, intentional relationships where people share joys and burdens, encourage one another, and live life together. In Acts 4:32, it says, “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” That’s the kind of unity we pray for—not forced, but Spirit-shaped.

2. Worship

Worship doesn’t have to mean a full band and lights. In Acts, worship looked like breaking bread, praying together, reading Scripture, and praising God in everyday life. Worship in a microchurch might happen around a dining table, on a walk through the neighborhood, or with a guitar in the living room.

3. Mission

The early church was always on mission. They weren’t just a holy huddle; they were sent people. Their gatherings empowered them to go out and love, serve, and share the Gospel. Microchurches today aim to do the same—joining God’s work in local neighborhoods, workplaces, or schools.

The Way Table Microchurch Network: One Example of Many

We don’t pretend to be the only way or the right way. But at The Way Table, we’re one small example of what this can look like.

Our microchurches can meet in all kinds of places: homes, military bases, parks, homeless camps, apartments, coffee shops, even Zoom. What unites us isn’t a building or a Sunday schedule—it’s Jesus.

We gather around tables, share meals, pray for one another, study Scripture, and encourage each other to live out our faith wherever we are. Some of us feel called to start new microchurches. Others focus on hospitality, justice, mentoring youth, or workplace ministry.

Each microchurch looks different—because the people and places are different. But the heartbeat is the same: following Jesus together and helping others do the same.

Why Microchurch? Why Now?

Honestly, we believe God is stirring something in our generation.

Many people feel disconnected from traditional church structures. Some have been hurt. Others are simply hungry for something more real, more personal, and more rooted in Scripture. The microchurch model speaks to those longings.

It’s:

  • Simple – no need for buildings or big budgets

  • Scalable – anyone can start or join one

  • Biblical – aligns with what we see in Acts

  • Relational – built on trust, not performance

  • Missional – not just about “going to church” but being the church

In many parts of the world—especially where Christianity is persecuted—microchurches are the only option...and they thrive. But even here, in a post-Christian, distracted culture, they offer a fresh, faithful way forward.

So... How Do You Start or Join a Microchurch?

You don’t need a theology degree, a building, or a sound system. You just need a few people, a love for Jesus, and a willingness to share life together.

At The Way Table, we’d love to walk with you—whether you want to join a microchurch, start one, or just learn more.

Here are some simple first steps:

Final Thoughts: A Church That Looks Like Jesus

We believe the church was never meant to be just an event or a building. It’s a people. A family. A movement.

And while we don’t have it all figured out, we’re trying—imperfectly but faithfully—to follow the way of Jesus, just like the early church did.

So maybe the real question isn’t “Should I go to church?” but: “What if I am the church?” Imagine what that could look like in your life and those around you. What if you were free to dream and exercise that ecclesiastical minimum in creative ways to reach the lost!

If that stirs something in you, let’s talk. Let’s gather. Let’s break bread. Let’s live on mission together.

Want to learn more about The Way Table Microchurch Network or explore starting a microchurch? Contact us here or check our Events page and RSVP for our next gathering.

Let’s go back to the table. Back to the beginning. Back to Jesus.


 
 
 

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