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Teachings

Posts linking to teachings from the simple church alliance or other encouraging sources.

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?

Transitions (Audio Teaching)

Through this Transition series, I have been encouraged and reminded of where I want my focus to be: living in God’s love.   Any believer will be encouraged and challenged by this series–especially those of you who are seeking to walk with Christ outside the traditional structures we have called “church.”

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)

Is God Counting?

What if God is not counting our sins against us? This seems like a silly question, because if you are reading this, there is a good chance you are a Christian, and you would know to say to me, “Of course He is not counting our sins against us!”  However, if an adulterer was sitting in front of you, would you say, “Good news!  God does not count your sins against you!”  Perhaps you may not be so sure that He is not counting in such a situation?  He is only not counting the sins of those who have first… Read More »Is God Counting?

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)

Evaluating Your Simple Church (Part 2)

In my last post, I discussed the importance of evaluating your simple church.  Today, I would like to suggest a guideline to help simple or house churches evaluate their communities.  Once again, the attitude and heart behind any evaluation is the most important part.  If not done with humility, love, and a desire to become all that Jesus desires for your community to be, attempts at evaluation can easily slide into a discouraging time where harsh judgment and legalistic remedies prevail.  Nonetheless, just as it would be important for a couple to communicate about ways they can improve their marriage… Read More »Evaluating Your Simple Church (Part 2)

How Zúme Training Works

We have been talking a lot about the Zúme Project and the free online discipleship and simple church training it provides.  Now that the project is officially launched over at www.zumeprject.com, you might be wondering how the training tool can best be used for you, your family, and friends.  We will have a lot more thoughts about this in the coming days so make sure to subscribe to this site in the right hand column if you have not done so.  For now, check out this short video that will give you a better sense of how you can use… Read More »How Zúme Training Works