Moving from Discovery Group to Microchurch
Episode Overview
In this episode, Corey and Brian unpack the Acts 2 Discovery Tool—a simple resource to help groups identify their collective identity as the church. Whether you’re in a discovery Bible study (DBS) or gathering people in an emerging context, this tool provides a practical framework to reflect, grow, and live into the rhythms of church as described in Acts 2.
Key Takeaways
1. What’s the Purpose of This Tool?
Helps groups discover and identify themselves as a church using Acts 2:36–47.
Grounds your gathering in Scripture to define what it means to “be the church.”
Encourages reflection on what activities you’re already doing and where there’s room for growth.
Tool Overview: Acts 2 Discovery Process
Step 1: Read Acts 2:36–47
Context: This passage describes the early church after Pentecost—what they did and how they lived as followers of Jesus.
Focus on identifying activities and characteristics of the early church.
“Each of you must repent... be baptized… devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer… they shared everything they had… performed miracles… added to their number daily those being saved.”
Step 2: Identify the Activities and Characteristics
As you read, write down or draw what you see happening in the early church. Examples include:
Baptism: Repentance and new life in Jesus.
Teaching: Devoting themselves to the Word.
Fellowship: Sharing life together.
Meals: Eating together, including communion.
Prayer: Actively praying for one another.
Generosity: Sharing possessions and meeting needs.
Miracles: Signs and wonders of God’s power.
Worship: Praising God together.
Mission: Sharing Jesus and multiplying disciples.
Pro Tip: Use drawings, symbols, or words to make it engaging and visual—especially helpful for kids or visual learners!
Step 3: Draw a Circle and Reflect
Draw a large circle on paper or a whiteboard.
Ask: “What activities are we already doing?” Add those inside the circle.
Example: “We read Scripture and share meals, but we haven’t prayed much together.”
Next, identify activities outside the circle—things you’re not yet doing.
Example: “We haven’t seen anyone baptized or performed communion yet.”
Step 4: Reflect and Grow as a Group
Celebrate what you’re already doing! Recognize where God is at work in your group.
Invite Growth: Ask, “What steps can we take to begin living into these other rhythms of church?”
Example: Plan a baptism party, incorporate regular prayer, or invite others to join the group.
Cast Vision: Use this tool to inspire your group to grow into a fuller expression of church.
When to Use This Tool
Emerging Discovery Groups: If you’ve been meeting for a while and sense God is doing something more, this tool helps define who you are and what’s next.
More Mature Groups: Use it periodically to assess health, celebrate growth, and identify next steps.
Multiplication Conversations: Helps groups recognize the need to invite others and multiply disciple-making efforts.
Practical Tips
Keep it Simple: This is still discovery-based—facilitate the conversation by asking questions and letting the group reflect.
Avoid Coercion: Let Scripture guide the conversation, not your own agenda.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every step is significant, whether it’s sharing a meal, praying, or baptizing someone.
Think Collectively: Church is a group identity—who else can we invite into this family?
Key Reminder
Church Is Not a Program—it’s a family living out worship, community, and mission together.
Don’t wait for perfection to call yourselves a church. Start early, grow together, and live into the identity God is shaping in you.
🔗 Access the Tool: kcunderground.org/toolkit
