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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

Mega House Church (Rap)

Most of my life I have enjoyed satire.  Satire will often seek to approve of or accept as normal ideas that the satirist is actually seeking to attack.  Such is the case in this goofy song that applies attractional, hierarchical, personality driven, pulpit centered, church growth, clergy/laity ideas to simple/house/organic church ministry.

711 Summer Camp for Boys and Girls

Simple Church Alliance @ 7-11 Camp – July 7-12 I wanted to let folks know that we have a reserved a spot at 7/11 Camp this summer for Simple Church Alliance! 7/11 Camp, in my opinion, is one of the best run camps for boys and girls ages 7-11 in the region.  Guy has attended for two summer sessions.  He really enjoyed his experiences.  This year we are looking forward to Emma joining him.  The camp is modeled after Kanakuk camps and is filled with adventure and small group Bible discussions.  Having run camps for 11 years with FCA, I’m most impressed with the attention to detail and the high standard and training that is required of the camp counselors.  This year, if we have enough from the various simple churches, I will also attend… Read More »711 Summer Camp for Boys and Girls

January 9 Training Details

JANUARY 9th will be our next meeting and we will be looking at the function of the SHEPHERD in the New Testament church. Come and network with others leading or desiring to lead simple churches in 2013! We hope you can join us!

Why Do You Gather With Your Simple Church Family?

Why do you gather with your simple church family? I think this question is very important for all believers—especially those of us in simple church—to consider.  How we answer this question reveals our motives and sets our expectations when gathering with our brothers and sisters.   Do you come together to be fed? Do you come together to receive? Do you come together so you can be heard? Do you come together so you can check your box? Do you come together to put others in their place? Do you come together to air your complaints? Do you come together to be entertained? Do you come together so others will know you are a believer? Do you come together so you won’t have to “come together” with/at ______ ?   I was speaking with a… Read More »Why Do You Gather With Your Simple Church Family?

Star of Bethlehem Presentation – Dec. 23rd

Please join us to view The Star of Bethlehem on Sunday December 23rd, 10a-12p. Please RSVP to mtmlex@yahoo.com and See details below. Hello, my name is Mark Mackey, I’m part of the Simple Church network (Out West), and I would like to share with you a video presentation that is awe-inspiring. In our family, this DVD(the Star of Bethlehem) has become somewhat of a tradition to view a couple of times per year. With all of the distractions of commercialism, and pressure “to do” whatever makes Christmas a “happy holiday”, don’t you get the feeling there’s just something not right about it all? What if you could roll back the clock, rewind the sky, reverse time itself to and witness what the Magi observed over 2,000 years ago? Would that help you regain some perspective… Read More »Star of Bethlehem Presentation – Dec. 23rd

Christmas Celebration Dec. 19

This Christmas we thought that we would host a different kind of “Celebration!”  Join us on Wednesday December 19 from 6-8PM in the Atrium at First Alliance (2201 Old Higbee Mill Road) for a fun time of fellowship, finger foods, baby dedications, Christmas carols, encouragement, and fun vintage family photos!  That’s right we are going to have a special place set up for you and your family to get that memorable family picture and Chloe Olliges will be on hand to photograph all who would like to take part!  So bring your funky Christmas sweater and come ready to laugh, sing, and celebrate the birth of our Savior with others from simple church communities across the region! FOOD: We would like to ask each simple church (or family if you are not presently involved in… Read More »Christmas Celebration Dec. 19