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Gavin Duerson

husband. dad. simple church alliance. inside joke music.

Becoming A Church

Becoming a Church I often get to have conversations with people about the nature of a local church.  Some wonder, “Is my Bible study or small group a local church?  Why or why not?  Could we become a church?”  Even if not asked explicitly, these questions may tumble around in hearts and minds as we collectively wrestle with what it means to be the Body of Christ. – I have mentioned Zumé Project before and how many Christians find it to be a helpful tool in seeing the formation of disciple-making simple churches.  In the appendix of the Zumé Guidebook, there is an idea presented for a group exercise that I would like to highlight.  Perhaps, together with those in your life group, Bible study, or simple/house church, this exercise could be a great way to seek… Read More »Becoming A Church

2017 Year End Letter

Friends, Several years ago I had the picture in my mind of a harbor filled with families working to load up their belongings and family members into a multitude of sailboats. They each were getting in position to leave. They were not coming back. Each boat was filled with their family and friends and they were setting out on an incredible journey–a journey that no doubt would be filled with hardship and adventure, challenges and exploration of the unknown. Boats were loaded and friends and family were in place as they raised the sails. There was a slight breeze that began to blow. However, they knew that a powerful wind was coming and when it did, they would be ready to move. Call this a “vision.” Call it a thought or picture. Call it crazy.… Read More »2017 Year End Letter

Simple Church As A “Bridge”

This Sunday night is the Simple Church Alliance Christmas Celebration at Awesome Inc., downtown Lexington, Ky (Details HERE)! We hope you can join us from 6-8PM as we have invited students and families connected with Bridges International to join us.  We will be able to connect with one another and share the story of Christmas through song and fellowship. Below is a note from Micah Lemaster who serves with Bridges about why he is especially excited to connect those they serve with simple church minded families and individuals… My name is Micah LeMaster, and I run an organization called Bridges International at the University of Kentucky. We consist of a group of student leaders passionate about reaching international students for Christ, and we see partnerships with other ministries as the most effective and Biblical method of doing… Read More »Simple Church As A “Bridge”

Stories From The Harvest

By Kaleb and Kate Phillips God has been doing work, and the enemy has been on the attack. I wish I could describe and explain all of the ways that God has orchestrated events in our lives and ministry over the past several weeks and months, but honestly, I’m still pretty overwhelmed. We have been, and are still, facing a lot of darkness. Sometimes it feels like we’re completely in the dark. Sometimes it feels more like drowning. Literally, we have been facing such heavy spiritual attacks that we are experiencing physical symptoms. Last night in our house church our family was feeling good, ready, excited. Then, several people walked in and the atmosphere completely changed, there was a heaviness, a burden, a darkness. Our energy was gone, our focus was broken. We prayed through… Read More »Stories From The Harvest

Christmas Gathering Dec. 17

This year, we will return to downtown Lexington for a network wide Christmas celebration! Join us for an evening of fellowship and worship through Christmas songs and carols! In addition, we will join with friends from Bridges International! Bridges is a ministry to international students and families in the area.  Many international students come to the US with a desire to meet Americans and learn about Christianity but unfortunately never enter the home of a Christian while here.  Bridges International hopes seeks to give opportunities for Christians to build relationships with those visiting our universities.  We hope that this evening will be an excellent way for us to show hospitality to and share our faith and lives with many of those from around the world living here in our backyard.  Perhaps you will begin a friendship that… Read More »Christmas Gathering Dec. 17

Free Music: A Simple Church Christmas Vol. 2

I wanted to pass along this free download to A Simple Church Christmas Vol. 2! Every year we invite simple church communities and their friends to come together and celebrate Christ’s birth. In addition to enjoying fellowship and food, we have enjoyed sharing the story of Christmas through song. Several years ago we released volume one of these recordings and now I have for you volume two featuring recordings from our past two Christmas Celebrations! As we get ready for Christmas and our this year’s Simple Church Christmas Celebration on December 17th I wanted to edit and make these available!  We hope you enjoy them and these recordings become a wonderful soundtrack to your Christmas season!  We hope you can join us when we come together again on December 17! To Listen or Download 1. Click… Read More »Free Music: A Simple Church Christmas Vol. 2

Is God Counting?

What if God is not counting our sins against us? This seems like a silly question, because if you are reading this, there is a good chance you are a Christian, and you would know to say to me, “Of course He is not counting our sins against us!”  However, if an adulterer was sitting in front of you, would you say, “Good news!  God does not count your sins against you!”  Perhaps you may not be so sure that He is not counting in such a situation?  He is only not counting the sins of those who have first showed some sign of sadness for their sins, right?  Only then does God stop counting, right? I have certainly thought I believed that He is not counting, but I have acted as though He is (i.e. not really believed… Read More »Is God Counting?

Two Churches at The Same Time

One of the take-a-ways from my time with Lee Wood at our simple church conference was the simple concept of “two churches at the same time.” One of the biggest challenges for simple churches is grasping how we can be a committed and intimate community of believers that also grows into multiple simple churches.  Growing together and outward can seem at odds.  Often, our minds are bent toward the “splitting” (grow the group and then split it in half when it gets too big).  Others envision sending folks out of the group to start new groups as opportunities arise.  Because we perceive that both of these options neccesitate saying goodbye to those we love and enjoy, we can be consciously or subconsciously averse to both. This is where being in two churches at the same… Read More »Two Churches at The Same Time