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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?

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)

New Podcasts Up!

Hello friends! We have several new podcasts up at keepitsimplepodcast.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes at this link as well. It’s been awhile since I’ve updated the links, so you may remember that beginning with Episode 65, Tom and I re-launched the podcast with the idea of starting from scratch and re-introducing the “Who?” “What?” “When?” “Where?” “Why?” and “How?” questions surrounding simple/organic church. Episode 75 “Who Can Baptize Others in The Simple Church?” was just released. You can check out all the new episodes and the old ones at our website.  If you feel so inclined, I review on iTunes apparently helps the podcast come up more often in searches. Thanks for listening!  I pray it encourages you along the journey and provides good food for thought and discussion!  

Resurrection Day Communion (By Jeff Herron)

March 27, 2016 — Resurrection Day, by Jeff Herron Unexpectedly volunteering to serve communion with Darah at the Resurrection Day gathering of the Simple Church Alliance network. Can’t remember acting in this capacity before. Starting to think right away about what words I might say as people come up to receive the elements. There’s that passage in Corinthians somewhere about not being unworthy, but I can’t remember it well enough. Maybe the more traditional “the body of Christ, broken for your sins…”, but I can’t really recall exactly how that one goes either, and I’m not much for formulaic incantations anyway. Realize there’s a bit of pride in the mix, wanting to seem competent and experienced at something I don’t really have any experience with. Figure I’ll just say or not say as the Lord… Read More »Resurrection Day Communion (By Jeff Herron)

Easter Network Gathering

Join us for a picnic*, fellowship, worship, encouragement, and an Easter egg hunt for the kids!  Let’s come together to celebrate our risen Lord with simple church friends and family from across the region.  We will meet inside from 10:30-12:30 and the trails will be available afterwards for you to enjoy throughout the day.  If you are a current simple church leader, it is very helpful if you can email and RSVP  for your group by Good Friday.  If you would like to share a testimony, poem, song, story, prayer, etc., come ready to do so.  If you have questions contact Gavin beforehand. Simple Church Network Easter Gathering Easter Sunday, March 27 10:30 AM – 12:30AM Raven Run: 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington, KY 40515 *Coffee will be provided at the beginning and during our Celebration.  However, everyone is… Read More »Easter Network Gathering