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Gavin Duerson

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

Acountability? – A New Barna Study

Because the underlying theme of the Christian life is one of being transformed from a selfish and self-driven individual to one who lives for and surrenders control of one’s life to God, the practice of accountability for life choices and behavior is central to that process of transformation. Yet, a national survey by the Barna Group among people who describe themselves as Christian and involved in a church discovered that only 5% indicated that their church does anything to hold them accountable for integrating biblical beliefs and principles into their life… Go HERE to read the entire findings of the Barna Group.  They are fascinating to say the least.

a simple church network visualized

Below is a short power point presentation we used at the “preview lunch” last Sunday to try and paint a picture of how we see this “simple church network” developing.  Perhaps the one thing that this presentation does not reflect is the geographic nature of the “simple church” communities.  We expect that many of them will develop along geographic lines, although it is also highly probable that some will develop more along relational lines that may not necessarily be geographic in nature.  For example, as members “express” their faith and live out the Great Commission, it might be that those most impacted would from an individuals workplace.  One other thing to remember before viewing:  We do not want to forget that “church” meetings are not the goal here.  We believe that “simple churches” will emerge… Read More »a simple church network visualized

What is the Gospel?

Today in the “No More Spectators” class at First Alliance Church, we had a great discussion around the question, “What is the Gospel?”  While open to everyone, this class has been of special importance to those of us going on this “simple church” journey together.  The thing I love most about “simple church” is that the emphasis ends up not being on “church” at all–but on all believers becoming active participants in the Great Commission (as apposed to “spectators”). In our journey from spectator to disciplemaker, perhaps no issue is more crucial than understanding the Gospel. So what is the Good News anyway? How would you explain it? We concluded with this video. Enjoy… [vimeo http://vimeo.com/12425590] For more great discussion about “The Gospel” and it’s centrality to christian faith, check out The Gospel Coalition.

Introducing…Jesus Christ!

Below is the link to download/listen the message I shared at First Alliance yesterday entitled Introducing…Jesus Christ! A friend of mine told me this morning that it was “the best 20 point sermon he had ever heard.”  I’m not sure exactly what he meant by that…  I’ve also linked the video that I showed at the beginning of my message.  The video is shows Steve Harvey introducing Jesus. Listen To “Introducing… Jesus Christ!” Here Steve Harvey Introducing Jesus Christ… [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvCd_ANIKys]

Geckos and Elephants

I found this quote on a recent post over at movements.net.  It’s a great illustration that I think you will enjoy.  The notes below are from Bill Hodgson on why Geckos are Better role models than elephants (Movements.net is a great site and worth spending some time on!).   The simplest form of church is the most adaptable, flexible, versatile, resilient and reproducible to multiply out in different contexts. Asian Elephants – Life span: may live more than 50 years?Gestation: 21 to 22 months?Number of young at birth: 1. Asian elephants a considered rare, especially in the wild. They are extremely strong but not very adaptable or flexible and certainly always visible. Elephants attract a lot of attention. It requires two to reproduce and if successful they will only produce a single off spring every… Read More »Geckos and Elephants

No More Spectators

This Sunday will mark the third week of the No More Spectators class at First Alliance Church.  While not a “book study,” the class name as well as many of the big ideas were taken from a book written by Mark Nysewander with the same title.  Mark spoke several months ago at our church and passed his book along to me.  Like Robert Coleman’s book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Mark issues a challenge to all believers to engage in the Great Commission following the model that Jesus gave us.  I especially like how Mark compares and contrasts “spectator” Christians and disciple-making Christians.  Steven Lagen, from First Alliance Church, has written a short summary of the book which I have included below. ———– Summary and notes of Mark Nysewander, No More Spectators (USA:  Sovereign World,… Read More »No More Spectators

Preview Luncheons – Dec. 5th & Jan. 9th

Hello friends! I hope this finds you well!  I continue to hear from many who were unable to come to the “Vision for Being The Church” class and have a desire to know more about what we are doing.  Indeed there are many families here at First Alliance Church (FAC) who are unaware of exactly what we are doing and why we are doing it. Therefore, I have reserved the new Founders Dinning Room at FAC for December 5th and January 9th to have a church plant preview luncheon.  The lunch will immediately follow the second service (12pm) and FAC will provide the food .  This will be and excellent opportunity for you to introduce a friend, neighbor, or even FAC member to the  “simple church network” vision. Up until this point, we have primarily… Read More »Preview Luncheons – Dec. 5th & Jan. 9th

Church Plant Update!

Church Plant Update. Hello!  Well we have finished the class “A Vision for Being the Church.”  It has been great to hear how God has worked and is continuing to work in your life as you consider your involvement in this new work! So what is next? 1.  No More Spectators. Next week I will begin leading a class entitled “No More Spectators.”  While not specifically for those interested in the new church, it will be important to the new work because we will address how we all can become active participants in the Great Commission—a key element to “simple church.”  You can watch the short intro video I put together below. 2.  Determine Participants. January 16 is the tentative “launch” of the simple church network.  Between now and then, there are some important questions… Read More »Church Plant Update!