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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… Read More »Two Churches at The Same Time

Francis Chan – Rethinking Church (Video)

I’d like to thank my friend Brian for sharing this short video of Francis Chan “rethinking church.”  Francis Chan left his mega church about the same time we started down the simple church road and . observing his journey from mega church to multiplying house or simple churches has been encouraging!  Due to his prominent voice in the American church, he is also helping others who share his convictions find courage to explore church outside the box. In this video, he gives is a great 10 minute explanation of simple church and what we are trying to encourage here!  In… Read More »Francis Chan – Rethinking Church (Video)

“Church At The Place” Testimony

The following is a story from Kaleb and Kate’s most recent update. Their group started calling their simple church “Church At The Place.”  You can read the entire newsletter, hear about some amazing things God is up to, as well as know how to pray for and support their simple church’s outreach to local young adults and youth here.  You can also see videos of recent baptisms on Kaleb’s Facebook page here.  ————- JP is a young man who has come to our Wednesday night simple church several times over the past two years, but last month he showed up after being… Read More »“Church At The Place” Testimony

Simple Church Tithe?

Recently, a blog post by John Piper about tithing the local church caught my attention for two reasons. First, John Piper stated that he would never say “you must give your tithe to my church.” I affirm this in regard to simple church and I appreciate this statement from one of the nation’s leaders in the legacy church.  Indeed, Piper points out in this article that the Bible offers no justification for a mandated 10% tithe to a local congregation. Secondly, his comments about giving to the local church highlight one of the blessings, if not advantages, of giving in a simple church:… Read More »Simple Church Tithe?

Tool: LTG Bookmark

Recently I put together a simple printout that you can use as a bookmark in Life Transformation Groups (LTGs).  On this bookmark, I have put some questions and symbols that we have used to train others in discovery Bible study as well as some questions intended to foster authentic disciple-making friendships as well as a few prayer ideas for praying for friends found in Neil Cole’s LTG resources.  This tool will be best understood if you take a second to learn more about Life Transformation Groups and how they can be a helpful way of thinking about making disciples.  Check out… Read More »Tool: LTG Bookmark

8 Ways To Start A Simple Church

There is no formula for how to start a simple church.  The Holy Spirit must be the Initiator and Leader if a real church community is to be birthed.  Even still, I have seen several ways God can use you to give birth to a new simple church family! 1. LTG – As you and a friend or two begin a Life Transformation Group (LTG) and you see that LTG multiply into two LTGs, a simple church can be formed. It’s logical and natural that you say, “why don’t we all share a meal together?” If married, the husband’s and… Read More »8 Ways To Start A Simple Church

6500 New Churches A Year Needed?

Note: Originally posted on March 10, 20011 – This post continues to be one of my most recommended posts to those wrestling with the “Why simple church?” question.     Several years ago, a good friend recommended this post at www.plantingchurches.org. Here is an excerpt: According to census data, the population of the US currently is roughly 300 million.  In 2050, they project that they the population will be 400 million.  While many surveys suggest that 40% of Americans attend a church service regularly, that number is largely inflated.  According to David T. Olson’s book, The American Church in Crisis,… Read More »6500 New Churches A Year Needed?

A “Radical” New Teaching Method Discovered?

Wired magazine has posted an article that examines how Sergio Juárez Correa in Mexico has been experimenting with a “radical new teaching method” that is having an amazing impact on his students.  As the western church continues to cling to many of the same ideas about education and discipleship found in modern academia, I think that we, the Church, would do well to rethink our ideas about learning as Sergio.  In fact, I think that the ideas about learning he “discovered” are really not new at all, but very much a return to the methods that Jesus used to make disciples… Read More »A “Radical” New Teaching Method Discovered?

Why Not One Another Each Other?

Why Not One Another Each Other? – a simple way of thinking about how to spend time with your simple church family!  As I meet with people transitioning to simple church one of the more common questions I get is “What are we supposed to do when we meet together?”  This question is understandable as “what we do at church” each week is usually determined by the church staff and that, for the most part, has not veered to far from the Opening Prayer-Opening Song-Announcements-More Songs-Special Song-Sermon-Offering-Closing Song-Closing Prayer format–regardless if you attend a small church or a mega church.  Of… Read More »Why Not One Another Each Other?