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Simple Church Cross Cultural Missions?

How can simple churches engage in God’s work outside of their oen cultural contexts?  Felicity Dale at simplychurch.com has written about this very subject and in a recent post writes: How are people in simple/organic churches currently actively engaging in cross-cultural missions? People move with their job. Because they already are familiar with simple church principles of mission (find a person of peace and start something around them), it is natural for them to make disciples and start churches in their new location. People go with a traditional denominational entity or other mission sending agency. They are supported financially in full or in part by their local simple/organic church or network of home churches. Again, they understand missional principles from their experience at home. People within organic church organize teams to go on short-term mission… Read More »Simple Church Cross Cultural Missions?

Like A Might Wave: Church Planting Movements (Video)

Below is a link to a video produced by the Southern Baptists explaining church planting movements (CPMs). Essentially, this video lays out why we believe that simple church is in fact a response to what God is doing throughout the world (and yes, here in the USA) rather than a reaction to traditional church structures. We pray that by God’s grace the ten common characteristics identified in CPMs around the world, as highlighted at the end of this video, would also exist throughout the simple churches in our region. May we see something like a “mighty wave” of God move through our community as in other parts of the world! Click to Watch Video (or copy and paste: http://www.imb.org/main/downloads/embedvideos.asp?flashvars=mvid=2109&mvidext=flv )  

Lessons Learned In 2011

I have read several books about simple church this year.  These books have helped me, but my deepest lessons have come through actually “doing” simple church.  I would like to share a few truths I’ve learned during the course of the past year: *  God is at work in the United States (and specifically in Kentucky) initiating a discipleship/simple church movement. *  My family and I can obediently express our faith outside the traditional church structures. *  Observing the Lord’s Table together with the Body, within the context of a meal, is more powerful and rich in meaning than I thought possible. *  The challenges involved with including children in simple church gatherings are insignificant when compared to the blessing they are to the community. *  The traditional church CAN play a significant role in… Read More »Lessons Learned In 2011

Making The Call – Part 2 (Video)

One of the greatest truths I’ve been able to learn over the years is that it is impossible to “loose” when you seek to share your faith with someone out of love. Recently I came across one of the most powerful videos I’ve seen with regards to witnessing.  This video is a great encouragement to every believer to not be afraid to share truth in love with everyone—even famous celebrity atheists! I would like to encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the comments of the famous comedian/illusionist and outspoken atheist Penn Gillette concerning an encounter he had with a Christian after one of his shows.

Making The Call – Part 1

I recently shared some of my thoughts on calling others to faith in Christ at First Alliance Church in Lexington. As always my message (which you can listen to by clicking here) was primarily directed toward me.  What a tremendous relief it truly is to realize that our job is simply to proclaim the Good News and not to “save” people!  What an encouragement it is to truly realize that we can’t “loose” when we share our faith out of love!  Even if we are rejected for being a witness, we are blessed! 1 Peter 4:14 “If you are rejected for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit and glory of God rests upon you.” Luke 6:22,23 “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they reject your name as evil, because… Read More »Making The Call – Part 1

Remembering Pearl Jam

By Karla Duerson:  How can I sleep with so much life springing up?  A new simple church was birthed tonight with excitement all around and the adventure of the fight with our enemy—all the drama of light pushing back the darkness.  Then there was a movie with the promise of more to come with a friend who has keen eyes and big thoughts about the big screen and all that it can do and be.  The cherry?  A Pearl Jam documentary commemorating their 20 years together.  The almost two hour journey mapping out the life of the band was exhilarating for me. They were my favorite during a time when I needed music.  When I listened to their songs, I was transported, given a catharsis—a vent for all the tumult and angst of a teenager’s… Read More »Remembering Pearl Jam

Accepted By Christ

By Karla Duerson: A theme emerges as of late and I am compelled to write a note of it to you all—my church family.  Here are the threads: –At a party with a conversation about acceptance and being liked… –A gathering around the Advent wreath reading these words by Ann Voscamp sparked by Ruth and Naomi’s relationship, “When God is our God, we take His people as our people, and we take a vow of forever love and loyalty…” –English Grammar instruction with Guy discussing “The Quarrel” in which body parts cease their work after fighting over whose function was more important I have experienced personal conviction at each of these moments.  At the party, I remembered how much I love and need Christ’s acceptance of me.  By candlelight, I tasted the sweetness of relationship… Read More »Accepted By Christ

The Best Way To Start A Simple Church…

…Is to start a simple church! I’m not sure where I read that, but I believe it to be true. With a new season upon us why not trust God to take you on a discipleship journey and start a simple church? I have met with several folks who have expressed interest and a few that are going to make the leap this year. Why not join them? You never know what God will do unless you step out of the boat. Certainly don’t get out of the boat unless you hear Jesus calling you, but if you do hear him, then step out and allow God to take you to the land that he will show you! If that is you, then allow me share a few thoughts with you on getting started remembering… Read More »The Best Way To Start A Simple Church…

Moralism vs. Christ

Just moments ago, I had a great conversation with a gentleman from our simple church.  We discussed a topic that I brought up last Sunday during our gathering.  I mentioned the word “moralism” and I talked about it in a negative light (HERE is the link to the short devotion by Oswald Chambers that kicked off the conversation).  In one sense, being moral is certainly a good thing.  However, I seemed to suggest that moralism was not a good thing.  I think that reading the devotion above will help to clarify, but allow me to add a few other thoughts as well. First off, God continues to teach me the importance of obedience.  You probably know this as we have spent considerable time talking (in person and here on this blog) about how the Great… Read More »Moralism vs. Christ

Join others from simple churches in the region as we come together to celebrate the birth of Christ!  We will enjoy a potluck brunch at 10AM in the gym at First Alliance Church (2201 Old Higbee Mill Road) followed by a time of celebration.  We will enjoy baby dedications (led by parents), singing Christmas songs, prayer and encouragement during this time.  We hope you can join us!  More information by clicking the image below!