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An Encouragement From Pendleton, Co. KY

I recently received this email from Jeff Herron who along with his family are in the process of starting down the simple church path.  I’m continually encouraged by Kingdom Minded “legacy” church folks who see the value in house/simple church and want to encourage simple church multiplication.  May Jeff’s words encourage you and may we all join in praying for God to do a mighty work in the northern part of our state! Just wanted to pass along a quick update as an encouragement to you all. The senior pastor from the last “legacy church” (to use the Dale’s phrase) where we were members approached us unexpectedly this past week and proposed that we partner up with them in doing a “house church model” church plant in our area. While none of the details are… Read More »An Encouragement From Pendleton, Co. KY

Beachheads – A Guest Blog by Joseph Horevay (Neo House Church Network)

Beachheads The early hours of June 6, 1944 the Axis defenders saw, through the early morning haze off the Normandy Coast, a vast armada of Allied ships carrying hopeful liberators to those occupied shores. That wicked empire was secure as long as freedom’s defenders remained on distant shores. As young men dashed from plywood transports onto the blood soaked sands of invasion beaches named Juno, Omaha, Sword and Gold a watching world finally obtained the hope that the oppressor’s jack-boot would at last be removed from beloved homelands. A beachhead is the first fruit of invasion, a foothold that precedes liberation. Beginnings Reneé and I walked carefully along the grid of unpaved streets of Capricorn, a squalid, crowded “unofficial” township outside the margins of Cape Town, South Africa. With four young missionaries we traversed these… Read More »Beachheads – A Guest Blog by Joseph Horevay (Neo House Church Network)

The Lords Supper – The Reason We Gather?

The meal is potluck, or as we jokingly say, “pot-providence.”  Everyone brings food to share with everyone else.  When the weather is nice, all the food is placed on a long folding table outside.  A chest full of ice sits beside the drink table.   Kids run wildly around.  They are having so much fun that they must be rounded up by parents and encouraged to eat.  After a prayer of thanksgiving is offered, people line up, talking and laughing as they load their plates with food.  In the middle of all the food sits a single loaf of bread next to a large container of the fruit of the vine.  Each believer partakes of the bread and juice/wine while going through the serving line. The smaller kids are encouraged to occupy one of the few… Read More »The Lords Supper – The Reason We Gather?

Questions Jesus Asked

I am currently reading through Matthew with a couple of guys in my Life Transformation Group.  During my reading, the questions that Jesus asked his followers and those in the crowd continue to jump out at me.  I came across this list of questions online and I thought I would share them with you.  I find it very interesting to just read His questions and then try to answer them.  What do you learn about Jesus from His questions?  What does His questions reveal about you?  What other questions do these questions raise?  Are you able to answer His questions?  Why or Why not?  I would love to hear your thoughts! 100 Questions that Jesus asked and YOU must answer: And if you greet your brethren only, what is unusual about that? Do not the… Read More »Questions Jesus Asked

Training Feb. 13 – APEST Going Forward

Last month, we finished our APEST trainings. I am grateful for all the work that you all put into presenting on the functions of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher. If you are like me, then you realize to say we “finished the training” is misleading (to say the least!), as there seems to be a growing sense that we are just getting started with understanding how these functions work together to…

“Troops” in India

Upon returning from a recent trip to India, a friend took me out for coffee to tell me of his encounter with a former nun, Sister Angelica, who has trained over 20,000 Christian “soldiers”  to lead “troops” throughout her country.  Below is a training handout that Sister Angelica uses while helping to start troops and train up new leaders. Some of this may seem odd to our western use of language and sensibilities.  To be clear, I would not advocate starting simple churches here with such guidelines.  That being said, I wonder if there are more than a few good lessons we can learn from our Indian sister as we consider making disciples and multiplying simple churches here in the States?  Personally, I am not a fan of artificial timelines for reproducing simple churches, but… Read More »“Troops” in India

The Pilot (poem and song)

I recently returned from a ski/snowboarding trip with several men that lead simple churches here in Kentucky.  As with most trips of this nature, everyone ends up sharing new music, YouTube videos, favorite movies, jokes, and other items that have provided us with recent laughter, joy, and occasionally insight into the Christian journey.  For me, Josh Garrel’s music has been one of my best musical finds in a long time.  I shared some songs with my good friend Matt, and in return he shared this great poem with me upon discussing the song “Pilot Me.”  May this poem and song encourage you today!   Crossing the Bar By Alfred, Lord Tennyson   Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out… Read More »The Pilot (poem and song)

Communion Lessons: Childlike Humility

By Karla Duerson Gavin asked today, “In what way does God want me to be more childlike in my humility?” referring to Matthew 18:2-4 from the Bible.  Nothing personal came to mind at first.  Then later when I was cleaning up from our Simple Church gathering, something came. It was a new thought based on a familiar dilemma.  Normally, after everyone leaves I busily and easily put all the dishes in the washer, scrape the leftovers into the garbage disposal, put the toys in the bin, place books on the shelf, but then I come to the elements.  I go to the bread and the juice and I pause. This plate seems more sacred than the rest.  I don’t feel well dumping the contents of either the plate or cup down the sink, though I… Read More »Communion Lessons: Childlike Humility

How Would You Answer?

“I really want to start following Jesus…what should I do?”  If a friend asked you this question today, how would you respond?  For me this scenario highlights the “church” paradigm shift that has transpired in my life and touches on a key reason why I believe so strongly in the simple church journey. For most of my life, I have thought the appropriate response to a disciple would look a little like this checklist: –“Find a good church”–maybe mine, maybe another if it would be a better fit. –Set up a meeting with the pastor of the church to talk about membership and getting baptized. –Check into various ministries in which to serve and meet other people with similar interests who are also following Jesus. –Start regular Bible reading–maybe I would even recommend a place… Read More »How Would You Answer?

Simple Church Revolution – Free Book

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