Blog posts that contain references to books that are related to simple church
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.
Thanks to everyone who made it out last night to our Simple Church Alliance network Christmas gathering! It was a great time and I only wish I could have spent more time getting to know all the new folks a bit more and connecting with old friends! …Hopefully we will see everyone again soon in 2017! * You can check out some photos from last night HERE. (if you have some good ones please shoot them to me if you don’t mind!) * We recorded the music and hope to have “A Simple Church Christmas Vol.2” available by next Oct. You can download Vol. 1 free HERE. * If you had friends that came and would like to be included in simple church e-newsletters/updates, please shoot me their emails or have them email me. The Facebook group and page are also good for staying connected to other simple… Read More »What A Night!
The Luke 10 Manual is a great resource that we have linked here before. It exists on many sites on the web but often time those sites can vanish making our links broken (occasionally you can find a paperback copy from Amazon as well). To make sure that you can find and access this resource, I am hosting it now here on our site (If this is a problem with anyone related to this book, then please let me know.) Tony and Felicity Dale did a great time leading us through the principles found in Luke 10 at our conference this past weekend. They mentioned this book and it is well worth your time if you if you are interested in multiplying disciples and simple churches. If you missed the conference and are not a… Read More »Luke 10 Manual – Steve and Marilyn Hill (Free eBook)
I wanted to make everyone aware of a great FREE resource. I recently revisited Roger Thoman’s free ebook “Simple/House Church Revolution” and it is really a great resource for anyone considering simple/house church ministry. In addition, since it is free, sharing this resource with friends could be an excellent starting point to see who might be interested in joining you on the simple church journey! Always know that we are here to help train, encourage, and support you along the way so let us know who we can serve you! Click Here to Download From the back cover: Simple/House Church Revolution explores how the church can re-discover her true nature as a movement of Jesus-following radicals. You will discover how dynamic church can be when believers live a lifestyle that reflects Jesus’ own life and… Read More »Simple Church Revolution – Free Book
A Simple Celebration by Nate Smith This past Sunday night was the Simple Church Alliance’s summer celebration. A gathering of all the home churches in the Lexington area. Unfortunately I was the only person from our home church that was able to go, but I represented well with suspenders and all. I am grateful to attend the monthly leadership meetings and know quite a few people that I caught up with. It is just refreshing to see everyone. For me, even more refreshing seeing children. I love living in downtown Lexington, but not seeing this age demographic on a regular basis I forget how awesome kids are. We started the evening with a meal and communion. I love that this is a regular part of the majority of home churches. It brings about casual conversation and… Read More »A Simple Celebration (Guest Blog)
If a person states that God speaks to them on a regular basis they are considered a bit kooky in many Christian circles. With our wider cultural context in mind, imagine the firestorm that would stem from one of our presidential candidates declaring that he frequently hears God speak. Yet, Jesus tells us: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. – John 10:27 The idea that God communicates in an understandable way to His disciples is not only foundational to the Bible and the Christian faith, but possibly at the core of discipleship–being one of His sheep. Over the past year, this truth has dramatically shifted my understanding of what it means to “grow” in my faith. For much of my life with Jesus, growing closer to Him has… Read More »Listening To God (Download Free Book!)
By Nate Smith Church has always been a part of my life. I have a ton of relatives that are ordained and it goes back generations. Personally, I have found the aspect of going to church very frustrating. I am a bit of a nomad. I have moved every year for the past 4-5 years. I have made good friends in the places I have lived, however, church has been… disappointing. First, I am not a morning person. Maybe, I should be excited to go to church at 10 am and awkwardly greet the person in the pew next to me as I accidentally yawn while trying to introduce myself. It is slightly embarrassing. Second, how does an introvert like myself fit into this kind of a setting? I sometimes shut down when there is… Read More »Guest Blog: A Transition To Simple Church
There is a great free resource available online from Dr. J.D. Payne (who will be leading our time together this Friday for our special Simple Church Training). The 55 page e-book entitled Discipleship in Church Planting includes some great thought-provoking questions for anyone seeking to make disciples and see church communities birthed and multiplied. Click Here To Get The Book Free!
I am reading Wolfgang Simpson’s book The House Church Book: Rediscover the Dynamic, Organic, Relational, Viral Community Jesus Started. In this book, he highlights twelve advantages to house church and I would like to share them with you. From what I have read so far, I would also like to encourage anyone looking for a concise and clear understanding of the simple/house/organic church movement to pick up a copy of this book. 1. Discipled Multiplication 2. Persecution-proof structure 3. Freedom from church growth barriers 4. More efficient involvement of a higher percentage of people 5. A break from the pastoral care dilemma 6. A place of life-transformation and accountability 7. A better place of growth for new Christians 8. A solution for the leadership crises 9. A way to eliminate the clergy-laity division 10. A… Read More »Twelve Advantages to Simple Church
Neil Cole recently posted an excerpt from the book Organic Church describing what he would do differently if he planted a church today knowing now all that he has learned over the years. Since in simple church we urge everyone to think of themselves as a potential church planter, I thought that it would be good to point you to these very important lessons. Read the entire article with explanations HERE 1. Begin in the Harvest and Start Small. 2. Allow God to Build Around Others 3. Empower Others from the Start 4. Let Scripture Lead Not Your Assumptions 5. Rethink Leadership 6. Immediate Obedience in Baptism 7. Settle “Your” Ownership Issues