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Teachings

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

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 Bible through Discover Bible Study (DBS).  DBS can empower any believer, regardless of Bible knowledge, to grow as a disciple and help others to do likewise as they trust the Holy Spirit to be the… Read More »Discovery Bible Study in Simple Church

Godspeed (Video)

What can we learn about discipleship and the way that Jesus changed the world by living at the pace Jesus lived?

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 morning while beginning the book of Acts, I was watching its overview from the folks at the Bible Project. Acts Chapters 1-12 From The Bible Project Reflection While contemplating all of this, I was struck… 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 services Re: Why I no longer regularly attend traditional church services and why I do not require my children to do so either Hello, all you wonderful folks! Let me start by saying three things… 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 showed some sign of sadness for their sins, right?  Only then does God stop counting, right? I have certainly thought I believed that He is not counting, but I have acted as though He is (i.e. not really believed… 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 we perceive that both of these options neccesitate saying goodbye to those we love and enjoy, we can be consciously or subconsciously averse to both. This is where being in two churches at the same… 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 recent posts we have discussed evaluating our churches.  Does your church family look like this?  What changes would have to be made in your life to help your church family function more like what Francis… Read More »Francis Chan – Rethinking Church (Video)