Skip to content

Articles

Back 2 Basics (Part 1) – Keep It Simple Podcast #128

What do we mean when we talk about house church, organic church, or simple church?  I’m really excited to share these next two episodes with everyone as Tom and I discuss this foundational question!  Today, a lot of folks mean a lot of different things when they talk about “church” and specifically house church.  In fact, my understanding of church and the role the local house church plays within the Kingdom of God has changed over my 10+ year house church expedition.  In this two part series Tom and I will go “back to the basics” of what it exactly… Read More »Back 2 Basics (Part 1) – Keep It Simple Podcast #128

A Community That Pleases God or Trusts God?

I have not posted on this site lately.  I suppose this is due to a lot of soul searching about the direction for “simple church.” Haven’t we all been re-thinking all sorts of things during this past year? Add to the mix all that I’m learning about the nature of God from my daughter Wylie, and I feel like He is doing some foundational things in my heart. Having time to assess these matters and ministry eleven years into this journey with Simple Church Alliance, has been healthy and is still unfolding. More on that in the days to come. … Read More »A Community That Pleases God or Trusts God?

Discovery Bible Study in Simple Church

From my experience, a major obstacle standing in the way of many Christians engaging in discipleship, leading Bible Study, or helping start a simple church is the perception that they are an unqualified Bible scholar.  While deepening knowledge and understanding of Scripture is to be desired, the lie that we are not qualified is major tool of the enemy in keeping Christians from helping friends and family understand God’s Word and grow in their faith. However, for centuries missionaries have  helped new believers in places where no such qualified teachers exists to quickly and simply learn and teach others the… Read More »Discovery Bible Study in Simple Church

Simple Church Illustrated (Video)

In my last article, I shared my thoughts on the Great Commandment and why the new commandment Jesus left with his followers prior to going to the cross is a better foundation for the Church.  Today I would like to share with you a short video that explains simple church visually in light of this new commandment foundation.  Hopefully this visual can be a tool you can replicate on a napkin or piece of paper when sharing the idea of simple church with friends and family. Click To Watch If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe like and comment on… Read More »Simple Church Illustrated (Video)

Rethinking The Great Commandment

Simple church has led me to some unexpected places in my faith. Most recently, I have found myself reconsidering the Greatest Commandment quoted by church leaders across the globe (even here on this site) as a foundational pillar of the Church’s mission. I have encountered compelling arguments that have persuaded me that we are misguided when we hold up the Greatest Commandment as the focus of our faith.   Have you actually been able to live out this command? Have you been able to love God with ALL of your heart, soul, and mind?  Have you crafted more laws to… Read More »Rethinking The Great Commandment

Recommended Readings (Updated)

Looking for a good book to read this summer? Perhaps you might enjoy one of the books from the recommended readings list? This list includes several books that the Lord has used to help me see come to the scriptures with fresh eyes and better understanding His desire for The Church and discipleship.

Maybe it’s a bigger deal than we think?

I am generally not someone who leads with the idea that simple church is the “most biblical” way to do church. For me, the idea that the New Testament church seemed to primarily gather in homes is helpful when explaining to folks why it’s normal for the church to primarily ebb and flow through homes, but It’s not my main motivation for advocating simple/house/organic church. For me primarily, simple church is just what makes the most sense given what I know about Jesus, how He has worked in my life, and how I have witnessed His Kingdom operate. However, this… Read More »Maybe it’s a bigger deal than we think?

6 Benefits To Gathering On Sunday Mornings

Our simple church has settled into meeting on Sunday mornings and I’ve grown to enjoy it.  I have thought of six reasons I would encourage other simple churches to gather on Sunday mornings as well. Certainly there is not hard rule about when folks should meet and most every group will settle on times and locations for a host of reasons. As you think about the best time for your simple church to gather, consider the following… 1.  Convenience – The hardest thing about getting folks together regularly is finding a common time that everyone is available.  In general, it… Read More »6 Benefits To Gathering On Sunday Mornings

Why I No Longer Go To Church – An Open Letter (by Jeff Herron)

Below is an “open letter” that Jeff Herron posted to facebook and I’m reposting here with his permission.  I thought Jeff articulated well what I find many simple/house church folks are trying to express–especially to loved ones and other brothers and sisters who may not understand why they are doing what they are doing.  Jeff has posted on this site before and he and his family continue to be an encouragement to me and to many involved in simple churches across the region.   ————— An Open Letter By Jeff Herron To:  My friends and family who regularly attend traditional church… Read More »Why I No Longer Go To Church – An Open Letter (by Jeff Herron)

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… Read More »Becoming A Church