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WeAreChurch.com – Francis Chan

Recently a new friend asked if I knew about what Francis Chan was doing in California.  My friend thought that our work here sounded similar to “We Are Church,” The ministry Francis Chan started a few years ago.  So I visited their website and this is how they describe their “structure.”  What do you think? Now it’s one thing to identify these four values, but it’s certainly another thing to be part of a body that actually exhibits these qualities. In truth, these biblical values aren’t new at all, and many contemporary churches claim to pursue these values, but both the Bible and experience have shown that these qualities don’t just come about by accident. We pray that, by the Holy Spirit, God would guide the intentionality behind our church structure. Our structure isn’t perfect, and being… Read More »WeAreChurch.com – Francis Chan

“Church At The Place” Update

What’s God been teaching us? (By Kaleb and Kate Phillips)   Focusing on the Few God continues to bring broken people into our lives as we make ourselves available to him. There are many needs around us, but our goal is to stay focused on the few people that God draws to us and to work where Jesus is working. If we can raise up a handful of leaders who will break the generational curses in their families, raise their children in the knowledge of Jesus, and multiply their faith, we will have spent our time wisely. The reality of our church and ministry (and personally following Jesus) is that it is more typically a daily grind of obedience and openness to the Holy Spirit than it is an emotional mountain top of worship and… Read More »“Church At The Place” Update

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

Be A Trader!

Take a break from what you are doing and watch this short video.  Will you be a trader?  I am afraid that if we are unwilling to be traders that our simple churches will be reduced to nothing more than a different type of church meeting we attend each week (or whenever our time allows).  How can your simple church community help encourage each other to be traders?    

What A Night!

Thanks to everyone who made it out last night to our Simple Church Alliance network Christmas gathering!  It was a great time and I only wish I could have spent more time getting to know all the new folks a bit more and connecting with old friends! …Hopefully we will see everyone again soon in 2017! * You can check out some photos from last night HERE. (if you have some good ones please shoot them to me if you don’t mind!) * We recorded the music and hope to have “A Simple Church Christmas Vol.2” available by next Oct.  You can download Vol. 1 free HERE. * If you had friends that came and would like to be included in simple church e-newsletters/updates, please shoot me their emails or have them email me.  The Facebook group and page are also good for staying connected to other simple… Read More »What A Night!

Watch The Star of Bethlehem Online

Friends, Several years ago a friend involved in a simple church hosted a viewing of The Star of Bethlehem movie.  Since watching it, I find myself thinking about it and bringing it up in conversation most every Christmas.  I wanted to let everyone know that this movie is now available on YouTube and I’m linking below a version that can be watch in HD (You may need to adjust the settings to watch it in HD.  You can do that by clicking the gear). Perhaps you will not agree with everything suggested in this video/Bible study, but it is a fascinating theory and something that is well worth taking an hour to consider this Christmas.  The film seeks to examine, through computer models that track the stars and their movements and a close examination of Biblical texts,… Read More »Watch The Star of Bethlehem Online

Free Christmas Music

With #GivingTuesday upon us, we would like to give a gift to you! Enjoy these songs recorded live at our simple church christmas gathering a couple of years ago! You can listen to and download all the songs for FREE at the link below.  If you enjoy it, please share it as well! This was our first ever attempt at recording a “simple church” worship event live.  I think that this recording came as close as possible to capturing the simplicity of families and friends coming together to celebrate the risen Savior.  This release also includes a song recorded live at a “skate church” gathering and the album version of “Lights on My House” by Inside Joke – which was performed at the Christmas event (but blew up the speakers and destroyed the live recording) —- Join… Read More »Free Christmas Music