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Gavin Duerson

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

Simple Church and The Arts

At first glance, it may seem that simple or house church would actually be a bad expression of church for people of faith who are interested in participating in the arts.  (I have had more than one conversation with others stating their love to play or sing on the “worship team” as a reason that they are unable to consider starting a simple church with their spouse.)  Since gatherings are usually small and lack a stage, there certainly are boundaries on the art that can be shared in the Body during “church.”  However, the lack of a large crowd and a church stage creates numerous opportunities for the artist (or would be artist) who is a part of a simple church. JD Payne, in a recent blog post over at Missiologically Thinking, echoes many of my thoughts on… Read More »Simple Church and The Arts

Simple Church Hangout March 2 (Hosted Online by Pendleton Co. Ekklesia)

You are invited to open your laptop or phone and join our good friends in Pendleton Co Kentucky as they host a simple church hangout to discuss “Gatherings, Meetings, and Discipleship” Gatherings, Meetings, and Discipleship – We would like to discuss together the role gatherings and meetings play in the making of disciples. We would love to hear what God is saying to and doing in the lives of everyone involved in or trying to start a simple church. We hope all will be encouraged and challenged to take new steps of faith! – Jeff and Darah Herron Simple Church Hangouts are a great opportunity for you to connect with others in simple church–especially if you are a part of a simple church in an area where a local network is yet to form!  Starting in 2016, our… Read More »Simple Church Hangout March 2 (Hosted Online by Pendleton Co. Ekklesia)

Special “Experience” Training – Wed 17th

How can we share the truth of the Bible with a culture that increasingly cannot read proficiently or simply does not prefer to read as a means of learning?  This month, come experience how simple church leaders can tackle this growing challenge as we welcome Butch Vernon from Simply The Story. Butch will offer a brief experiential training on storytelling and show how we can also communicate accurate Biblical narratives in an engaging and discussion-oriented way!  This will be an excellent and thought provoking time for any believer–especially those of you interested in leading simple churches.  Learn more about Simply The Story here:  www.simplythestory.org    Simple Church “Experience” – The Third Wednesday of Every Month! Wednesday February 17th Simple Church Office @ First Southern National Bank (second floor) 3060 Harrodsburg Road 6-8PM – Pizza Provided – Kids Welcome!   RSVP by emailing Gavin… Read More »Special “Experience” Training – Wed 17th

Lent: A call to prayer

By Nate Smith Lent is a time for personal reflection, repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming Easter.  A set forty days for self-examination and giving up something in order to prepare our hearts. It is a chance to come with expectation for greater things.  We, as Christians, have this crazy belief that Jesus, who walked in the flesh, actually died and rose again.  Death itself has been conquered.  This is the reason, and the only reason, we have to gather, to worship and break bread.  It is all about Jesus. Friends, it is time to prepare our hearts, not as individuals, but as a community seeking the Lord with great expectation. Jesus reminded them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,… Read More »Lent: A call to prayer

Simple Church “Hangout” Changes

  Friends, After some prayer and discussion with several of you, I want to introduce a slight adjustment to the format of our monthly simple church Google Hangouts. The original intent for hosting the hangouts was to allow those of you who are a part of simple church outside of Central Kentucky to have a means for connecting with other simple churches. We continue to find that staying personally connected to others involved in simple church is an important aspect of helping one another be encouraged and focused. The Google Hangout, I believe has the potential to help those geographically separated from others to have a means for connection while God grows their community into a local network (more than one simple church). To better improve the “Hangouts,” I would like would like to have those… Read More »Simple Church “Hangout” Changes

January 20 Leadership Gathering

January Simple Church Leadership Gathering. As we begin a new year, I would like to encourage all simple church leaders and those hoping to lead simple church this year to come together for “kick off” of sorts for 2016. We enjoy a dinner together and take time to re-focus our hearts on the vision God has given us, “Multiplying disciples and ultimately simple churches to the ends of the earth.” Please pray about and come ready to share briefly with others how you sense God leading you to live out our vision in 2016. Some questions to consider as you pray thought this: Are there any specific people the Lord is opening up discipleship relationships with? Are there any places the Lord is leading you to go to? Who are the persons of peace in… Read More »January 20 Leadership Gathering

Giving and 1 Corinthians 9

By Jeff Heron  Giving is a great blessing that we can be a part of. As our Master promised long ago, and still affirms in our hearts and experiences to this day, the measure we use in giving out is the same measure that will be used in our receiving in. Giving is just one aspect of living out of sacrificial love, the love we first witnessed in Jesus’ love for us and the love that now empowers us and is the very source of our life. Despite these plain truths, the topic of giving, especially financial giving to a church, is one that has been much debated and discussed. In my own experience, I have been all over the map in what I think and how I act in this capacity. Even though I… Read More »Giving and 1 Corinthians 9

A Savior

A Savior By Emma Duerson A blinding star beaming with light Was seen across the land Holier than the star was bright Was the Savior born that night The little King was not to lay in a castle crib But upon the hay The darkness beheld the birth of Jesus Christ our King —- Emma is our ten year old daughter (pictured in the bottom right corner).  She has developed a great interest in poetry this year.  It is a privilege and joy for our family to be on this journey with you!  Merry Christmas!  

Reality Christmas

  I woke up this morning reflecting on my evening last night. Karla and I made our annual pilgrimage to Cincinnati to see our favorite musical group, Over The Rhine, with another couple involved with simple church planting in the northern part of Kentucky. Over The Rhine is the husband and wife duo of Lindford Detweiler and Karin Berquist.  In over 20 years of making music together, the couple has compiled multiple albums including three Christmas offerings they refer to as “reality Christmas” records. If you know me, then you know that I tend to be a pretty positive and upbeat person.  That is why I always find it odd that the sad songs at their shows are usually the ones that stick with me.  Last night was no exception.   Probably my favorite song was an incredibly sad song… Read More »Reality Christmas