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It Takes Courage

This is Part 2 of a series of posts sharing lessons I have learned over the past 15 years of exploring simple/house/organic church with my family and friends. Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it It Takes Courage In the first post, I shared part of the story of how we got started. Prior to 2010, the Lord had begun opening my eyes to how the Church could be different. A church planting class at Southern Theological Seminary introduced me to church planting movements around the world. This was eye-opening for me. I had always had… Read More »It Takes Courage

My conversation over at Pastor to Pioneer

Recently, I joined Britton Smith and the podcast over at Pastor to Pioneer. In short, Pastor to Pinoneer a ministry to pastors of legacy churches who find themselves longing to transition to a pioneering ministry that focuses on relational discipleship over programs, and on simple and organic expressions of church rather than the more traditional approach. We chatted about being a college mascot and making goofy music, but eventually we got into the story of Simple Church Alliance—and even how the arrival of our special needs daughter, Wylie, has played a role in reshaping my understanding of why I’m as passionate about simple church as ever. Perhaps you would enjoy this conversation and story. You can check out Episode 90 of the Pastor to Pioneer Podcas, entitled “Loving Others, Not Spiritually Managing Others” here: YouTube:… Read More »My conversation over at Pastor to Pioneer

Part 4: Intentional Discipleship

Today is part four of a series on my recent trip to meet Kazakhstani and Italian house and simple church leaders.  In my last post I shared how the trip re-emphasized to me the importance of seeing church primarily as a “way of life.” Today I reflect on how the importance of intentional discipleship as a characteristic of this way of life was highlighted during my travels. Intentional Discipleship I was really encouraged that many people we encountered emphasized discipleship.  Cru and other ministries are making relational investments in many people by focusing on intentional discipleship.  David reminded me and others (as he has done as long as I’ve known him): Jesus didn’t call us to start churches but to make disciples.  In Kazakhstan, this is happening because disciples are intentionally inviting others into their… Read More »Part 4: Intentional Discipleship

House Church For Beginners Breakfast – April 22

House Church For Beginners Breakfast Saturday, April 22, 9am, First Southern National Bank, Lexington, KY (3060 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40503) We are excited to host a breakfast for anyone interested in learning more about house church.  Over the past 12 years, we have been blessed to help others walk with Jesus and experience simple expressions of The Church.  While not perfect, we are continually encouraged by what we are seeing and we would like to invite you to a special breakfast to learn more! At this breakfast you will: 1. Discover New Testament house church principles. 2. Learn about the benefits and challenges of house church. 3. Hear stories of how God has given birth to house churches through people like yourself. 4. Meet others in house churches that can encourage you and walk… Read More »House Church For Beginners Breakfast – April 22

Good Friday Worship and Communion Network Gathering

Friends, We would like to invite all simple and house church friends to come together for a special Good Friday worship and communion gathering at the Lexington Prayer Room on Broadway located at 1218 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504.  Several folks from area simple churches will lead us in a time of worship through song.  If you you have a song, poem, or reading that you would like to share, please come prepared to do so as well! Coffee and light dessert will be provided.  RSVP not required but helpful.  Let us know if you plan to come by emailing us here.  We look forward to seeing you!

Christmas Gathering – A BIG Thanks!

A big “thank you” goes out to all who made it to Lexington for the Simple Church Alliance Christmas Gathering!  It is always exciting to see friends from simple churches throughout the state of Kentucky to come together and to meet new folks interested in house church! I was so encouraged by the food, music, scripture, poems, and stories that were shared–even if it was only for a brief time!  It’s a joy to be on the journey with you all!  May you have all an anticipation-filled last few days of waiting on Jesus to come, and then … A Merry Christmas! -Gavin P.S. I will be posting some dates for 2023 larger gathering opportunities in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned! Would you prayerfully consider making a donation to Simple Church Alliance to help us… Read More »Christmas Gathering – A BIG Thanks!

Simple Church Retreat Recap

Recently, we concluded our annual Simple Church Retreat. We were blessed to welcome friends from Alabama, Ohio, Eastern Kentucky and Central Kentucky to The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road.

This year our conversation centered around the idea of simple church as a way of life–not a “ministry” or “way of doing church.”

#GuiltGivingTuesday?

#GivingTuesday (originally posted Nov. 26, 2018)  #GivingTuesday is an opportunistic social media campaign invented by nonprofits to capitalize on the guilt of Americans who have just spent gazillions of dollars and countless hours purchasing and parusing unneeded stuff for themselves and their family with whom they rarely get to see except on Christmas and Thanksgiving (but now only Christmas, because they spent Thanksgiving at Wal-Mart and on their phones looking for #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday deals.) As such, I did not want to miss out on the opportunity provided by #GivingTuesday to capitalize on the guilt that you may be experiencing from the previous weekend and let you know how you can support our family via the Simple Church Alliance during this new American tradition…. ☺ In all seriousness, as you may know, our family is able… Read More »#GuiltGivingTuesday?

Recommended Readings (Updated)

Looking for a good book to read this summer? Perhaps you might enjoy one of the books from the recommended readings list? This list includes several books that the Lord has used to help me see come to the scriptures with fresh eyes and better understanding His desire for The Church and discipleship.