FAQ

What’s the difference between a microchurch and a house church?

NJAM chooses to use the term “microchurch” instead of “house church” simply because a microchurch doesn’t necessarily have to meet in a house or home. Though many microchurches do meet in homes, others meet in any available space, such as an unused classroom, a business after hours, or a park.   

What makes a microchurch different from a “small group” or “community group”?

Simply put, a small group or community group is a small gathering of Christians connected to a church where a microchurch is a small church. A biblical church includes qualified biblical leadership (elders, pastors) and practices the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Small groups usually do not include these elements. 

Are microchurches biblical and historical?

The very first churches we find in the New Testament were churches that met in homes. For example, see Acts 2:42–47, Romans 16:3–5, and Philemon 2. Whether a church is biblical or not has nothing to do with where it meets. 

Many large, modern churches began as simple churches in houses and apartments that grew into large congregations. Furthermore, throughout history, when Christians have come under persecution, churches would often meet in secret in homes and other places, such as catacombs. Many Christians in hostile environments today meet in “microchurches” because they have no other choice. 

What if a microchurch grows?

The goal of a microchurch isn’t to grow into a single, large congregation but to start new microchurches as the Lord adds to their number. Of course, if a microchurch decides to grow into a large congregation that outgrows the microchurch model, that’s okay too! 

Don’t microchurches lead to Christian isolation?

It’s easy for microchurches to feel “alone in the wilderness,” so this is one of the primary reasons NJAM exists! NJAM microchurches regularly fellowship with each other and get together for joint worship. We also partner together in service projects to love our neighbors and spread the gospel. We also encourage microchurches to build relationships with larger churches for the good of the Kingdom of God.

What denomination is NJAM?

NJAM does not belong to a single denomination, and each microchurch is an independent entity with the freedom to identify with a particular denomination or none at all. See NJAM’s Statement of Faith with which all NJAM microchurches are aligned.