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How Do You Know God Loves You? (Conference Recap)

“God loves You!” is foundational truth of the Christian faith. It is repeated so frequently among the faithful that it’s almost ingrained in our minds. “Jesus love me this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” is perhaps the first song that many Christians sing to their children. However, how do we really know that God loves us? If someone came to you and said, “Forget the Bible verses.  Tell me why you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God loves you.” How would you answer? This was the question I posed at the Simple Church Conference this past weekend in Stanford, KY. 

Why I No Longer Go To Church – An Open Letter (by Jeff Herron)

Below is an “open letter” that Jeff Herron posted to facebook and I’m reposting here with his permission.  I thought Jeff articulated well what I find many simple/house church folks are trying to express–especially to loved ones and other brothers and sisters who may not understand why they are doing what they are doing.  Jeff has posted on this site before and he and his family continue to be an encouragement to me and to many involved in simple churches across the region.   ————— An Open Letter By Jeff Herron To:  My friends and family who regularly attend traditional church services Re: Why I no longer regularly attend traditional church services and why I do not require my children to do so either Hello, all you wonderful folks! Let me start by saying three things… Read More »Why I No Longer Go To Church – An Open Letter (by Jeff Herron)

Simple Church Conference 2018

REGISTRATION DEADLINE AUGUST 17TH DESCRIPTION Connect with and learn alongside simple/house/organic church practitioners from around the region at this year’s simple church conference. We will take 24-hours to “REFRESH.”   More of a retreat than a “conference,” Gavin Duerson will be facilitating times of encouragement as we look together into God’s Word, and enjoy meals at the Bluebird Cafe!  Come and be refreshed by communion with friends and Christ!   This year we will be staying in the guest homes at the Wilderness Inn in Standford, KY! Visit Website Here. Children? At every simple church network gathering, we always encourage children to come.  However, for this one day, we do ask that parents make other arrangements for children (unless nursing).  We really believe, for couples, having this one day out of the year to consider the call to… Read More »Simple Church Conference 2018

Network Easter Gathering – April 1

We want to invite all simple churches, their friends, and family throughout the region to come together this Easter Sunday morning (April 1st) for a time of worship and testimony! We are going to pack out The Prayer Room on Broadway for a lively morning of singing and stories of new life followed by a lunch at First Southern Bank Community Room for any and all who can join us! Worship and Stories of New Life! Have you or someone in your simple church experienced new life in Christ this past year?  Have they experienced a fresh start as a result of God’s work in their life?  We would love to hear from you!  Please plan to share a brief testimony during our time together and if possible let us know in advance.  Contact us (gavinduerson@gmail.com) if… Read More »Network Easter Gathering – April 1

LexPray 2018 – 24/7 Prayer Easter Week!

Once again, we are partnering with friends throughout the city of Lexington to host a week of non-stop prayer Easter week!  LexPray, which started in a spare bedroom of a simple church family several years ago, is now happening at the Prayer Room on Broadway.  This is a great opportunity for you to join together with the city church in Lexington to connect with God in a special way.  Sign-up today for a time slot and let’s fill the whole week as we focus on the Risen Christ this Easter season! How does it work? Once you sign up, you will be emailed instructions and reminders about your prayer time.  During your time at the prayer room, you will have access via a punch code and you are encouraged to spend time alone with God… Read More »LexPray 2018 – 24/7 Prayer Easter Week!

Becoming A Church

Becoming a Church I often get to have conversations with people about the nature of a local church.  Some wonder, “Is my Bible study or small group a local church?  Why or why not?  Could we become a church?”  Even if not asked explicitly, these questions may tumble around in hearts and minds as we collectively wrestle with what it means to be the Body of Christ. – I have mentioned Zumé Project before and how many Christians find it to be a helpful tool in seeing the formation of disciple-making simple churches.  In the appendix of the Zumé Guidebook, there is an idea presented for a group exercise that I would like to highlight.  Perhaps, together with those in your life group, Bible study, or simple/house church, this exercise could be a great way to seek… Read More »Becoming A Church

2017 Year End Letter

Friends, Several years ago I had the picture in my mind of a harbor filled with families working to load up their belongings and family members into a multitude of sailboats. They each were getting in position to leave. They were not coming back. Each boat was filled with their family and friends and they were setting out on an incredible journey–a journey that no doubt would be filled with hardship and adventure, challenges and exploration of the unknown. Boats were loaded and friends and family were in place as they raised the sails. There was a slight breeze that began to blow. However, they knew that a powerful wind was coming and when it did, they would be ready to move. Call this a “vision.” Call it a thought or picture. Call it crazy.… Read More »2017 Year End Letter

Francis Chan – Rethinking Church (Video)

I’d like to thank my friend Brian for sharing this short video of Francis Chan “rethinking church.”  Francis Chan left his mega church about the same time we started down the simple church road and . observing his journey from mega church to multiplying house or simple churches has been encouraging!  Due to his prominent voice in the American church, he is also helping others who share his convictions find courage to explore church outside the box. In this video, he gives is a great 10 minute explanation of simple church and what we are trying to encourage here!  In recent posts we have discussed evaluating our churches.  Does your church family look like this?  What changes would have to be made in your life to help your church family function more like what Francis… Read More »Francis Chan – Rethinking Church (Video)

Evaluating Your Simple Church (Part 2)

In my last post, I discussed the importance of evaluating your simple church.  Today, I would like to suggest a guideline to help simple or house churches evaluate their communities.  Once again, the attitude and heart behind any evaluation is the most important part.  If not done with humility, love, and a desire to become all that Jesus desires for your community to be, attempts at evaluation can easily slide into a discouraging time where harsh judgment and legalistic remedies prevail.  Nonetheless, just as it would be important for a couple to communicate about ways they can improve their marriage and family, the same is true for the people who are the simple church. We can evaluate our simple church by examining the Church in the New Testament.  A passage that paints a picture of… Read More »Evaluating Your Simple Church (Part 2)