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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

A Letter To A Church

In recent months, a simple church here in Lexington sent out a family to join a new family with the hopes of seeing a new simple church birthed.  It’s been very exciting to see how God is growing a new community of faith through the willingness of these families to “go” and not simply stay where they were most comfortable.  Recently, several members of the original  simple church wrote a creative letter of encouragement to this new simple church.  I was really impressed with the time and energy they put forth and I thought i would share it with you here.  Enjoy!  

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?

Simply False: False Teaching In Simple Church

One of the most common questions I receive about simple church is,  “What happens if someone teaches something incorrect?”  It’s a good question with good news for an answer.  Simple church can allow for one of the most full-proof methods of discernment if we choose to use it. Often one or two people within Christian groups bear most of the responsibility to explain Scripture.  Usually these teachers/leaders remind hearers to compare the message with Scripture, but follow-up opportunities for questions, clarifications, or correction are rare especially if the message is given and received within the context of a large group.  In simple church, there is greater chance for everyone to share and correct.  We see this in 1 Corinthians 14:  29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is… Read More »Simply False: False Teaching In Simple Church

Twelve Advantages to Simple Church

I am reading Wolfgang Simpson’s book The House Church Book: Rediscover the Dynamic, Organic, Relational, Viral Community Jesus Started.  In this book, he highlights twelve advantages to house church and I would like to share them with you.  From what I have read so far, I would also like to encourage anyone looking for a concise and clear understanding of the simple/house/organic church movement to pick up a copy of this book. 1.  Discipled Multiplication 2. Persecution-proof structure 3. Freedom from church growth barriers 4. More efficient involvement of a higher percentage of people 5. A break from the pastoral care dilemma 6. A place of life-transformation and accountability 7. A better place of growth for new Christians 8. A solution for the leadership crises 9. A way to eliminate the clergy-laity division 10. A… Read More »Twelve Advantages to Simple Church

Job Openings…

Felicity Dale, at www.simplychurch.com recently ran some “wanted ads” for some of the leadership roles that you find in the Church. I thought it would be good for me to link the wanted ads here since many of the leaders involved in the Simple Church Alliance are presently studying simple church leadership and keeping a watchful eye out for those God has gifted in these areas.  Anyone interested in applying can simply contact me and we can arrange an interview 😉 (Click To See Ad) Wanted: Apostles Wanted:  Prophets Wanted: Evangelists Wanted:  Pastors Wanted:  Teachers

On similar paths

Often I get the question, “Are there any other churches doing this?” when explaining the idea of a “simple church network.”  While we know that many Christians outside of North America experience church differently than our traditional Sunday service-centered church, consider the following findings of the Barna Group that may be surprising: The most prolific response (in nationwide studies concerning house church involvement) comes when adults are asked if they have “experienced God or expressed (their) faith in God in a house church or simple church meeting in the past month,” regardless of whether it is affiliated with some other church entity. This definition, certainly the broadest of the six variations tested, finds that one-third of adults claim to have been involved in such a gathering during the preceding month.  (Read Entire Article Posted By… Read More »On similar paths