How to Start a Minecraft Small Group
jeff • September 13, 2021
Yes, you read the title correctly. But you’re probably wondering, “Is this a small group for Minecraft lovers… or a group that takes place in Minecraft”? The answer is the latter. This is a small group that takes place entirely in Minecraft. Why? How? Well, the pandemic of has thrust pastors everywhere to grapple with digital ministry in many ways. It has also expanded the possible territory where we can take the gospel. If you want to learn more about starting a Minecraft small group at your church, read on!
Why a small group in Minecraft?
Christians have been so focused on getting people to a building that we’ve forgotten the power of going to where the people are. Let’s face it, no matter how much we upgrade our facilities, install new lights, LED panels, and Fog machines the reality is that some people simply will not step foot inside of a church facility regardless of how modern it feels. It’s a church. And some have negative feelings about that due to past experience or misconceptions. In recent years many churches have put a greater focus on small groups in homes, coffee shops, and other hangout spots as an entry point. But still, some people will never show up for a number of reasons. However, invite a student or adult into a small group within Minecraft…it peaks some’s curiosity more than others. Suddenly you have a whole new audience for people who are curious about Jesus but don’t want to put themselves in a physical situation where they can’t escape without being ultra rude. So, if you want to try this, where do you start?
So, what is Minecraft? In short, it is a nearly endless, 3D world where you can “mine” every block in the world for different resources and “craft” other blocks or tools from those resources. It has two modes: Survival or Creative. Survival is a much slower pace as you start with nothing and have to gather resources and fight off monsters. Creative mode makes you invincible and gives you all the resources so you can just focus on being creative. You can also play on the same world with friends in a variety of ways. Imagine having a world that you can log into with a small group of people regardless of who was online. You can build pretty amazing worlds together or apart.
What You Need
In short, here is what you need to get started and why you need it:
- Minecraft Java Edition. There are two versions of Minecraft. One that works with PC (Windows) and consoles and one that works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Java Edition is what works across Windows, Macs, and Linux. I recommend the Java Versionas most will be playing on a computer. I have a mac and it’s the only way I could play with anyone with a PC.
- Minecraft Realms. In order to play with friends online and for them to be able to jump on the world when you aren’t logged in is to have a “Realm”. This is basically a server hosted by Microsoft and allows up to 10 people to be in the same world at a time, but can invite as many as you want. Therefore, small groups are limited to 10. You can create your own server… but that’s beyond the scope of this article. This costs around $8 a month. But you can have multiple small groups use the same world. The only limit is that only 10 can be logged on at the same time. Therefore, groups need to take place during various times.
- Discord. You need an app so that you can voice chat with each other. I recommend Discord, although zoom can work too. Minecraft doesn’t have a voice chat feature, so another option is needed.
- Headset and microphone. Because you are in the virtual space and won’t see each other’s face, it’s really important that you have good audio quality. Using your computer speakers and mics will work. But for the best experience get a headset.
- A Mouse. If you play on a laptop with a trackpad, you need a mouse. Otherwise you will be incredibly frustrated trying to use the trackpad for everything.
Decide on a format
Small group in the digital realm has to run different than the physical one. I would recommend high structure as you begin and then you can loosen up as time goes on. Here is what I tested and seemed to work pretty well in three big parts. You can use the same format or tweak it for your particular group:
- 30 Minutes – Opening Activity.
- Build Challenge. “Take 15 Minutes to build something you love. Something you hate. Something you want to do. Your fav food. Your fav animal. Etc.” Then once everyone has built it, take time to go to each sculpture and have the individual explain it. Normally before group I create a designated area for this. I give everyone a 12x12 block space and put a sign in front of each space with there names on it.
- Trivia Challenges. Find some trivia that you know your group will like. Have everyone line up in the world and then read the question. Whoever gives the correct answer first gets a point. Have them place a block under themselves showing how many correct answers they got. First person to 10 blocks high wins. Friends trivia, Office trivia, Video Game trivia, etc.
- So many more games you can play – just look up some online and adapt it to Minecraft.
- 40 Minute Discovery Bible Study Time.
- Checkout KC Underground for more information on Discovery Bible studies, but basically it is less about a teacher, teaching others about the bible and more about people discovering for themselves what the text says. Generally you walk through parts of one of the gospels, read a passage, and have people answer the following 5 questions:
- What did you notice people did?
- What did you notice people say?
- What did you notice Jesus did?
- What did you notice Jesus say?
- What do you believe God is asking you to do, believe, think, or change based on what we just read?
- We would finish up this time by asking for prayer requests and praying.
- Checkout KC Underground for more information on Discovery Bible studies, but basically it is less about a teacher, teaching others about the bible and more about people discovering for themselves what the text says. Generally you walk through parts of one of the gospels, read a passage, and have people answer the following 5 questions:
- 20 – 30 Minutes Hangout time and build time.
- Before the small group season begins I divide out plots of land and create a neighborhood. Each person get’s a 50x50 block plot of land where they can build their home and beautify their space. I recommend giving some guidelines. The first 3 weeks have them focus on building their property and beautifying the neighborhood to be the best on the server. Then, based on the season, have them decorate their properties to reflect the season or holiday.
- The key is for the leaders to keep generating conversation during this time.
Find a co-leader
Don’t do it alone. Find a co-leader so you can multiple yourself.
Set Up The World
Near where people spawn, create a path to wherever you want the neighborhood to be. Then spend time doing some “zoning”. Using the fence within the game, create 50x50 blocks of land set up like a neighborhood with a street wide space going down the center. No need to cut down trees or flatten mountains. The members can do that on their own. Somewhere near the neighborhood create a little hangout space (very basic) where you all can gather for games and Discovery Bible Study time. The Group can help make this place more elaborate and unique to them later. Part of the goal of this is to give each person a section of land where they can create a home and thus build the “neighborhood.”
Keys to leading a group in Minecraft
Almost everything that applies in a physical group applies here. Almost.
- The leader must know how to lead a conversation and help people feel seen and heard.
- Discovery Bible Studies are less about the leader sharing their knowledge and more about pulling out insights and observations from others.
- The leader must be able to recognize group dynamic and call on people directly to speak and ask others to give someone else a turn when needed.
- The leader should give a clear outline of the time together so everyone knows whats going on. Verbal communication is key. “Welcome everyone, Tonight we are going to do 1, 2, and 3. Let’s start with 1. Here is what you need to know…” etc. etc. “Okay we are going to do our Discovery Bible Study now! Here are some ground rules and expectations…” fill in the blank.
Invite In Person
Don’t limit yourself to people that you know love Minecraft. Think about people you have always wanted to be in your small group but have been too busy, live on the other side of town, have kids, have sports, basically are unavailable for another activity where they have to shower and put pants on for. INVITE THEM! Tell them you will teach them all they need to know. Don’t decide for them. Invite people who are near by.
Invite those who are far away.
Because a Minecraft Small Group doesn’t depend on people getting physically in the same space, you can reach into your distant networks of people. In my beta group I had a couple join us who were local. But I also had a couple from another time zone 16 hours away join us because they thought it was a cool idea! They all loved it. Don’t limit yourself to just those local to your church. This could be a brilliant way to expand your online ministry to those near and far.
What do you think? Share your ideas on Discord or on social media.
Through the.Church.digital, we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. By taking this quick assessment we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.
For most of church history, mission work had a clear shape. Missionaries went somewhere—another country, another culture, another neighborhood. Their work was visible. Tangible. Easy to affirm. But today, a new kind of missionary is emerging: the digital missionary—streamers, content creators, Discord pastors, gamers, and community-builders ministering in spaces where millions gather every day. And many of them feel deeply alone. Not because their work isn’t meaningful, but because it often goes unrecognized. Churches know how to support missionaries who cross oceans. They’re still learning how to support the ones who cross servers. This blog is about closing that distance—mending the validation gap—so digital missionaries can thrive, not survive. What Is the “Validation Gap”? The validation gap is the space between the significance of the work and the support given to the worker. Digital missionaries often experience: Misunderstanding: “You play games… for Jesus?” Invisibility: Their ministry happens online, so few see it firsthand. Uncertainty: Without structure or support, they wonder if their calling is “real.” Isolation: They shepherd people late at night, across time zones, without teammates. And here’s the truth: Digital missionary work is real ministry. People are coming to Christ in Twitch chats. People ask for prayer at 2am in Discord voice channels. People who would never step inside a church are stepping into livestreams. The mission field has shifted—and the Church is invited to shift with it. How Your Church Can Support Digital Missionaries Below are practical ways any church—small or large—can actively support and affirm its digital missionaries. 1. Publicly Affirm Their Calling Digital missionaries often hear, “Is that really ministry?” Like when God sent Phillip to the Ethiopian eunuch, they have already gone down the road to share Jesus. They feel compelled to go with or without your support. Your church can be the voice that says, “ Yes. Go !” Introduce them to the congregation. Let them share their stories. Pray for them from the stage and include people they are reaching. Include their ministry in your missions reports. If you have not yet had someone share they already do this, ask from the stage. You may have some in the pews who God has called and they need you to tell them to go. Validation is often more powerful than equipment. If you can’t do anything more. Do this. 2. Commission Them Like Any Other Missionary When the church lays hands on someone and sends them, it communicates: You are not alone. We’re behind you. This is kingdom work. A commissioning moment gives digital missionaries the confidence and accountability they need. By joining with them in the mission, you have an opportunity to help mentor and guide them as they go. When you say it’s not real ministry. They are likely to go anyway and not tell you. When they face difficult times, who will be there for them that knows them? Why not your church? 3. Provide Resources and Tools Just as overseas missionaries raise support for flights, housing, and supplies, digital missionaries also need tools: A good microphone Lighting or a webcam A stable PC Software for editing or graphics Internet upgrades A safe, quiet streaming space These aren’t luxuries—they’re ministry tools. Perhaps you have these and could allow them to be used. If not, you can share their ministry tools wish list with the congregation. That is what they are already doing with their community. And people who believe in them when able often contribute to those items. And sometimes just purchase them as a gift. 4. Offer Prayer and Pastoral Care Streaming can be spiritually and emotionally draining. Churches can help by: Assigning a pastor or elder as a regular check-in Creating a prayer team specifically for digital missionaries Encouraging Sabbath and rest rhythms Offering counseling or mental health support if needed Adopting a missionary in a small group or Sunday School class A supported streamer is a healthier, more joyful missionary. Also, a missionary that regularly is talking about ministry and sharing Jesus is going to inspire and encourage others to do the same. It could be a key to helping your whole congregation start to share Jesus online or at least Mon-Sat start having Gospel conversations in your community. 5. Help Build a Moderation Team Moderators are the deacons/greeters of the digital mission field. Your church can: Recruit trustworthy members Train them in digital hospitality Help establish safety guidelines Support them as they serve alongside the streamer Regularly watch them to increase viewership Have feedback conversations about what is good, bad, or missing This turns digital mission work from a one-person show into a team ministry. You don’t need to have all the skills of the streamer. You just need to have a heart to support them and God’s calling on them. 6. Provide Financial Support This doesn’t need to be large. Even small contributions communicate value. Options include: Monthly missions support One-time grants for equipment Covering software subscriptions Funding special outreach streams or events Your support makes the ministry sustainable. Ask them what their needs are. They will be much smaller than any foreign missionary or church plant. You can 10x your churches impact with 1/10th the investment. 7. Celebrate Digital Wins Share stories from the digital mission field just like you would from a global mission trip: Testimonies from viewers Prayer requests from chat Stories of first-time Bible readers Milestones like Twitch Affiliate or Partner Celebration closes the validation gap. The closer to the event the greater the impact will be. So, look for where these can be shared. Share in emails, websites, social media and on Sundays. You can set the guidelines. They can create the post. 8. Integrate This Ministry Into the Life of the Church Digital ministry isn’t a side gig—it’s an extension of your church. Invite the digital missionary to teach about online outreach Host gaming nights or digital missions Sundays Include digital community in small groups Let youth and young adults get involved This is a bridge for generations. Let this happen organically. As one person grows and shares their ministry others will naturally feel calling of their own. Become a church that says, “ Yes and… ” The Mission Field Has Expanded—Let’s Not Fall Behind The apostle Paul used Roman roads to spread the gospel. The Reformers used the printing press. Today’s missionaries use Twitch, TikTok, Discord, and YouTube. The gospel always finds the roads people travel. As a church, you have the unique opportunity to mend the validation gap and empower digital missionaries who are reaching people your church may never meet in person. When you support them, you’re not just encouraging a streamer—you’re sending laborers into a global digital harvest.
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