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Simple Church Tithe?

Recently, a blog post by John Piper about tithing the local church caught my attention for two reasons. First, John Piper stated that he would never say “you must give your tithe to my church.” I affirm this in regard to simple church and I appreciate this statement from one of the nation’s leaders in the legacy church.  Indeed, Piper points out in this article that the Bible offers no justification for a mandated 10% tithe to a local congregation. Secondly, his comments about giving to the local church highlight one of the blessings, if not advantages, of giving in a simple church: When we think about what churches need in order to survive and flourish, I think they need, roughly, a tenth of what their people have, and more. You can feel free to go beyond.  … Read More »Simple Church Tithe?

2017 Thoughts

2017 Thoughts By Gavin Duerson As we begin this new year, I am as convinced as ever that the Lord will continue to grow the network of simple church-minded folks and even grow new networks all around us!  To be sure, it’s not about growth for the sake of growth, but about seeing more and more people connected to Jesus and His family!  Because I believe that Jesus and His Church is the only real hope of this world, I long for as many people as possible to find Him and the Spirit-filled life that He longs for us all to experience!  Be encouraged!  If you are a part of a simple church, I believe you are in a unique position within the Body of Christ.  Because you have chosen to live with faith outside… Read More »2017 Thoughts

What In The World Are We Doing?

Sometimes in simple church, this question can be heard echoing in the back of our brain. Sometimes the question is an accusation from the enemy (that we are really doing nothing of significance with our lives or that whatever we are doing is wrong). However, sincerely spoken it can be a powerful prayer… “God…what are we doing?… What are You doing and how do You want to involve me?” This Saturday, we will sincerely ask the Lord this question. What are we to be doing? With whom? Why? How? Simple church, while simple in form, is not easy. We believe that there is no better way we could spend a day than to pause and revisit these questions with our Leader, Jesus. For only He has the answers and we believe He wants to make… Read More »What In The World Are We Doing?

2016 Simple Church Conference / Sept 10-11

  2016 Simple Church Conference Prayer for multiplication.  In our fifth year of hosting this conference, we want to have a prayer focus–specifically praying for multiplication of disciples.  One of the characteristics of church planting movements across this globe is “abundant prayer.”  This year we will discuss the essential role of prayer in simple church and disciple making ministry and we will also spend time… you guessed it…  praying!  Together we hope to hear from the Lord in prayer about our relationship with Him and our  role in making disciples of all the nations–beginning with our neighbors.  Certainly we could spend a lot of time doing good things this year, but our hope is that this weekend will help us all to hear clearly how Jesus would have us focus our heart and lives “as we go”… Read More »2016 Simple Church Conference / Sept 10-11

Summer Updates (in Photos)

Summer Updates It’s hard to believe that we are about to turn the page on yet another summer!  I wanted to take a few seconds and share some byte-sized updates from simple church happenings.  Thank you for having covered many of these opportunities with prayer. University of Kentucky Simple Church Training         Zumé Project – Kentucky   Summer Celebration Gathering       Water Blast Camp     Awaken Conference in Paintsville, KY     Regional Gathering with Gospel Fellowships       Simple Church Conference Coming Up! Golf Church Finally… What is going on in your neck of the woods?  We would love to hear about what God is doing in your life and in your simple church!  How can we pray for you?  Any news to pass along?  Let us continue… Read More »Summer Updates (in Photos)

Summer Network Gathering – July 30

  July 30th, we will return to the Wheeler’s Farm for a network wide summer gathering.  Worship, Prayer, Fellowship, Picnic, Fishing? Rock Skipping? Playing in the creek? The possibilities are endless.  We even hope to celebrate baptisms! Simple Church Summer Network Gathering Saturday July 30, 6-9PM Music By Gideon Maki What To Bring: Your Own Picnic Dinner (Food, Drinks, utensils, etc.) Chairs/Blanket Water shoes (if you want to get into the creek) Everyone in your simple church community! flashlight A Friend (or two or three) A Song or Encouraging Testimony To Share? (optional)   Baptism:  Would you like to take part in believer’s baptism?  Do you have a friend or a child that might like to profess their faith in Christ by being baptized?  This will be a great opportunity for you or a friend to take… Read More »Summer Network Gathering – July 30

From Bluegrass To The Middle East

From the Bluegrass to the Middle East One of the most fascinating aspects of “simple” church is the desire to build up disciples that are full of passion for God’s glory. Simple church provides a community and space where all believers are equipped with the tools necessary to question and understand the Bible, seek truth by the Spirit and share with others who they know Jesus to be. Before too long, the simple church multiplies out of itself, and where there was one church before, now there are three or four that takes the former’s place! My experience with a simple church with University classmates has matched up with this line of thinking. Over the last three years, we have grown so much and God has prepared us for a lifestyle of Christ wherever we… Read More »From Bluegrass To The Middle East

April 20 – “Experience” Training

This past week, I attended the Christian and Missionary Alliance district conference and had the privilege of sitting in on a workshop with Jeremy Spainhour who is a great friend and staff member at FAC Lexington.  I was so encouraged by his message and its direct application to simple church that I invited him to come and spend some time with us this month.  I hope you can join us as i think this time together has the potential to leave a huge ripple across your circle of influence! How will coming to this training make a difference you ask? I don’t want to give it all away here, but I will say this:  You are going to learn about one of the most effective tools that you can use to influence everyone, but specifically the millennial… Read More »April 20 – “Experience” Training