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Waiting and Watching In Ireland (By Sandra Haven)

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6) It was just one week earlier that I went to the retreat in Stanford for the Simple Church gathering of various house church leaders.  That was on September 10th.  I wasn’t really sure why I felt prompted to go, just to say goodbye to good friends I thought.  I don’t know when or if I will return to the States so I thought maybe God would speak to me there about my unknown future.  Just one week prior to the retreat my sister came from Indianapolis and went to Simple Church with me.  She mentioned that God had prepared me to know how to start a house church in Ireland. The group also prayed over me on that day, words of… Read More »Waiting and Watching In Ireland (By Sandra Haven)

Simple Church Retreat Recap

Recently, we concluded our annual Simple Church Retreat. We were blessed to welcome friends from Alabama, Ohio, Eastern Kentucky and Central Kentucky to The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road.

This year our conversation centered around the idea of simple church as a way of life–not a “ministry” or “way of doing church.”

Hot Tub Baptisms

Recently we had the privilege of baptizing two of our children, Beau (12) and Neva (9). It was such a blessing for friends and family to join us for simple church and to celebrate this special occasion. It was wonderful to hear the verses they shared and the personal encouragements they passed along to our children as they publicly declared their desire to follow Jesus in their lives. How wonderful it is to celebrate the new birth that Christ has granted to all of us!  

Keep it Simple Podcast #134 Bart Scarborough (Part 2) – Simple Church Conversations

Check out round two with Bart Scarborough as we dive deeper into our conversation about what it means to walk with Jesus… and not run.  How the spiritual disciplines impact living in His love and help us to avoid religiosity.  UPDATE: We look forward to being with many of you this weekend at the Simple Church retreat!  We are welcoming so many new folks it’s going to be exciting to see how the Lord encourages us all!  Please let us know how we can serve and encourage you where you are as you seek to walk with the Jesus and his family outside the walls of the the traditional church!  Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer on thriftbooks here.  Henri J.M. Nouwen In The Name of Jesus on thriftbooks here.  Check out the… Read More »Keep it Simple Podcast #134 Bart Scarborough (Part 2) – Simple Church Conversations

Keep it Simple Podcast #133 Bart Scarborough (Part 1) – Simple Church Conversations

Recently I was able to continue the “Simple Church Conversations” series by interviewing a good friend, Bart Scarborough. Bart is currently operating a spiritual retreat center in Georgia called The Ancient Way Farm. In this podcast we discuss the current unhealthy trend of frenetic ministry and encourage a more focused but slower, deliberate way of healthy ministry through reflection and relationship.  As you will hear me share in my introduction, the topics we cover in part 1 (and part 2 …coming soon) are very close to what I think God is up to in “simple” church.  I hope you enjoy and would love to hear your thoughts in person or in the comments below. Links referenced: Godspeed: https://simplechurchalliance.com/2020/04/17/godspeed-video/ To find out more about Ancient Way Farm, go here: https://ancientwayfarm.com/ Thanks for liking and subscribing and… Read More »Keep it Simple Podcast #133 Bart Scarborough (Part 1) – Simple Church Conversations

Simple Church Retreat 2022 (Reg. Deadline Aug 22)

————- SEPTEMBER 10-11 REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY, AUGUST 22nd!  DESCRIPTION Connect with and learn alongside simple/house/organic church practitioners from around the region at this year’s simple church retreat. We will take 24-hours to refocus on what simple church is about. Simple church leaders from the region will be facilitating times of encouragement as we look together into God’s Word, and enjoy meals at the Bluebird Cafe!  Come and be refreshed and encouraged by communion with friends and Christ “In total there are currently (mid 2021) at least 22.6 million house churches worldwide with a total of around 300 million members. They are, considering all internal and contextual factors, by far the most viral, adaptable and multipliable segment of Christ‐followers globally. If their number continues to grow at a very realistic rate of 20% per year, they will reach a… Read More »Simple Church Retreat 2022 (Reg. Deadline Aug 22)

Baptism Anyone?

A couple of weeks ago, the Farrell family in our simple church experienced the joy of baptizing their daughter Tori during our Sunday fellowship time. They used this tub (pictured) that we have available. That’s right…a good ole Kentucky baptism in a cattle trough! The thought occurred to me that there may be someone who wonders… Can I baptize someone? How would I go about hosting a baptism? Even though I do not presently participate in a church, could I be baptized? I would love to help you explore these and any other questions you have may have about baptism! Whether for your own decision or for someone else in your life, I’d be more than happy to loan you this tub and help you participate in the Great Commission! Go and make disciples, baptizing… Read More »Baptism Anyone?

Join us for Coffee and Music with Zach Winters, Turtledoves, and Dana Vogel – July 22

Karla and I would like to you to join us for a special evening of music with Zach Winters, Turtledoves, and our friend Dana Vogel. I learned of Zach Winters several years ago when he was touring with Josh Garrels, another artist that Karla and I have enjoyed. We immediately became fans of Zach after hearing his songs which reflect both the beauty and truth of God. While we spent months in the hospital with our daughter Wylie, Zach’s album Love is a Garden really encouraged us during a difficult season of life. His song Give Thanks (below) was my morning alarm tune for a solid year. Recently he has released a dual ep, The Other Side, and we are super pumped to welcome him to the area to share his music with everyone live!… Read More »Join us for Coffee and Music with Zach Winters, Turtledoves, and Dana Vogel – July 22

Back 2 Basics (Part 2) – Keep it Simple Podcast #129

What practically are the basics when it comes to functioning as simple church? How do we let Jesus truly be the leader of the church and our times together as a church family? In part two, Tom and Gavin discuss the practical implications associated with experiencing the church family as people following King Jesus together!  Help the algorithms like this podcast by liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing this episode on platform of your choice.  Thanks!   YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/4akPPQ4ypNE Also available in audio only: Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hIJbIDV340lDCXSAa1l10?si=03923399655a4de7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-simple-a-simple-church-podcast/id767718695?i=1000556808547 Visit the podcasts website: www.keepitsimplepodcast.com More information on simple church here: www.SimpleChurchAlliance.com

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 we are learning regarding simple church.   I hope these videos help you in your journey!  If so, please like and subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, ApplePodcast, etc and leave questions and comments on… Read More »Back 2 Basics (Part 1) – Keep It Simple Podcast #128