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Simple Church Conference 2018

REGISTRATION DEADLINE AUGUST 17TH DESCRIPTION Connect with and learn alongside simple/house/organic church practitioners from around the region at this year’s simple church conference. We will take 24-hours to “REFRESH.”   More of a retreat than a “conference,” Gavin Duerson 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 by communion with friends and Christ!   This year we will be staying in the guest homes at the Wilderness Inn in Standford, KY! Visit Website Here. Children? At every simple church network gathering, we always encourage children to come.  However, for this one day, we do ask that parents make other arrangements for children (unless nursing).  We really believe, for couples, having this one day out of the year to consider the call to… Read More »Simple Church Conference 2018

Summer Network Gathering – Aug 4 – Red River Gorge

Join simple church folks and their friends from the region as we spend a day together hiking in the Red River Gorge!   Many of you have likely hiked to Natural Bridge, but we are going to explore some different trails that will include opportunities to slide down a waterfall, see one of Red River Gorge’s other awesome natural arches, and jump off 20′ rock into a swimming hole!  Take this opportunity to invite a friend and enjoy wonderful conversation throughout the day.   RSVP by August 1st in the form below or by emailing us here. Group size may affect our agenda. Saturday, August 4th, 2018 11:30 am Picnic Lunch & Devotion – Gladie Creek Visitor Center (bring your own food, drink, blanket or chairs) 1:30 pm Sky Bridge Hike 3:30 pm Rock Bridge Hike 5:30 pm Jump Rock… Read More »Summer Network Gathering – Aug 4 – Red River Gorge

New Simple Church In…Vermont!

Several months ago I received a very encouraging message from a Justin in Vermont.  Justin left a message that he had been through a type of crises related to his understanding of “church” and stumbled upon our website.  There he found our podcast and listened to several of them and had decided to start a simple church himself.  Over the past several months, I have been encouraged to meet with Justin, his friend Matthew, and members of their community via online meetings using Zoom (something I’m available to do with you as well!).  Their simple church has been blessed to see God move as several folks have committed their lives to Christ in the short life of their church family.  Seeds are even being sown for a second community in a neighboring town.  Please be in… Read More »New Simple Church In…Vermont!

Francis Chan: Chuck E. Cheese Church?

In a recent Charisma magazine article, Francis Chan shared more on his journey from megachurch pastor to simple church planter. Chan doesn’t think the standard church model is wrong.  But he does think it’s often distracted from what matters.  He compares it to throwing a birthday party for his son.  He could invite a few friends over to celebrate his song and give him gifts.  He could also rent out Chuck E. Cheese and give everyone all the tokens they could want.  Undoubtedly more kids would come to the second party.  But it’s no longer a celebration for his son: “At some point, all the other stuff distracts us from quality interaction with the person himself.” Chan finds that offensive.  “I just think we need to return to people who love getting together to break… Read More »Francis Chan: Chuck E. Cheese Church?

“New Life” and “Family” Testimonies

The following is an excerpt from our friends in Jessamine Co, Kate and Kaleb, who lead a couple of simple churches there!  God continues to do amazing things through their availability to young men and women in need.  Read their entire newsletter here. // What’s Been Happening? New Life! The best thing I can share with you from the last couple of months is that a young girl named Kailee gave her life to Christ. Here’s the simple version of the story that I’m sure started a big party in heaven. Kailee started coming to our Wednesday simple church a few months ago with a group of her friends. She didn’t seem particularly interested in God, but she loves singing and we make a lot space for people to play music, sing, and hang out on… Read More »“New Life” and “Family” Testimonies

A Word of Encouragement

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10 MSG Recently, I was treated to one of the more encouraging regular meetings that I have when I met with University of Kentucky Assistant Gymnastics Coach Chuck Dickerson. Chuck is one of the most refreshing human beings I know. (I have shared a bit of his story previously on this blog here). It is no wonder that he was recently named the NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year. UK Gymnastics had their best season in school… Read More »A Word of Encouragement

Network Easter Gathering – April 1

We want to invite all simple churches, their friends, and family throughout the region to come together this Easter Sunday morning (April 1st) for a time of worship and testimony! We are going to pack out The Prayer Room on Broadway for a lively morning of singing and stories of new life followed by a lunch at First Southern Bank Community Room for any and all who can join us! Worship and Stories of New Life! Have you or someone in your simple church experienced new life in Christ this past year?  Have they experienced a fresh start as a result of God’s work in their life?  We would love to hear from you!  Please plan to share a brief testimony during our time together and if possible let us know in advance.  Contact us (gavinduerson@gmail.com) if… Read More »Network Easter Gathering – April 1

LexPray 2018 – 24/7 Prayer Easter Week!

Once again, we are partnering with friends throughout the city of Lexington to host a week of non-stop prayer Easter week!  LexPray, which started in a spare bedroom of a simple church family several years ago, is now happening at the Prayer Room on Broadway.  This is a great opportunity for you to join together with the city church in Lexington to connect with God in a special way.  Sign-up today for a time slot and let’s fill the whole week as we focus on the Risen Christ this Easter season! How does it work? Once you sign up, you will be emailed instructions and reminders about your prayer time.  During your time at the prayer room, you will have access via a punch code and you are encouraged to spend time alone with God… Read More »LexPray 2018 – 24/7 Prayer Easter Week!

Becoming A Church

Becoming a Church I often get to have conversations with people about the nature of a local church.  Some wonder, “Is my Bible study or small group a local church?  Why or why not?  Could we become a church?”  Even if not asked explicitly, these questions may tumble around in hearts and minds as we collectively wrestle with what it means to be the Body of Christ. – I have mentioned Zumé Project before and how many Christians find it to be a helpful tool in seeing the formation of disciple-making simple churches.  In the appendix of the Zumé Guidebook, there is an idea presented for a group exercise that I would like to highlight.  Perhaps, together with those in your life group, Bible study, or simple/house church, this exercise could be a great way to seek… Read More »Becoming A Church