As long as there are folks who are trying to migrate into simple church from traditional church backgrounds, this question will be around. For this post I would like to stick to some practical tips on how you can creatively involve your children in simple church gatherings.
By Nate Smith: It would be so much easier not to be in a simple church. It is simple because we meet in an apartment. It is not simple because it does not allow one another to stay where they are in their walk with Jesus….
This fall, join others involved in simple/organic/house church ministry as we come together to worship our savior around a campfire at Bluegrass Christian Camp! On October 21 at 5pm, the Simple Church Alliance will host a celebration gathering with a fall flavor. Come out to the Bluegrass Christian Camp and enjoy fellowship, hiking, roasting marshmallows, playing outdoor games and a time of worship around the campfire with others involved in organic church ministry from the region. Everyone is welcome! Bring a friend and let’s be encouraged by all that God is doing throughout the city and beyond! We ask each… Read More »Fall Celebration – Oct 21st
By Nate Smith Church has always been a part of my life. I have a ton of relatives that are ordained and it goes back generations. Personally, I have found the aspect of going to church very frustrating. I am a bit of a nomad. I have moved every year for the past 4-5 years. I have made good friends in the places I have lived, however, church has been… disappointing. First, I am not a morning person. Maybe, I should be excited to go to church at 10 am and awkwardly greet the person in the pew next to… Read More »Guest Blog: A Transition To Simple Church
Over the past year and a half, I have observed simple church “not working” for a variety of reasons. Just this morning before I hit the “publish” button on this very post, I spoke with a gentleman on the phone who was wondering aloud about his family’s future in simple church. It is certainly not uncommon to question if simple church is going to work out for you–especially when the Christian culture offers many other church options that seemingly offers a path of least resistance. Perhaps this is where you are now? As with any conflict, I always find it… Read More »Why Simple Churches Do Not Work
By David Toth There area number of perspectives from which to discuss the issue of giving in the simple church. Some are the 1) theological, 2) practical, 3) mission, 4) strategic, etc. These brief paragraphs take a practical approach and mention some of the more encouraging aspects of giving in the simple church (an organic house church sized body of believers). In the simple church we can be encouraged that most of our giving can be directed to missionaries, orphans, local apostolics, and needy people. This reflects giving in the early church for the needy in the church and outside… Read More »Guest Blog: Giving In The Simple Church, By David Toth
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… Read More »A Letter To A Church
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… Read More »Simple Church Cross Cultural Missions?
I have read several books about simple church this year. These books have helped me, but my deepest lessons have come through actually “doing” simple church. I would like to share a few truths I’ve learned during the course of the past year: * God is at work in the United States (and specifically in Kentucky) initiating a discipleship/simple church movement. * My family and I can obediently express our faith outside the traditional church structures. * Observing the Lord’s Table together with the Body, within the context of a meal, is more powerful and rich in meaning than I… Read More »Lessons Learned In 2011
…Is to start a simple church! I’m not sure where I read that, but I believe it to be true. With a new season upon us why not trust God to take you on a discipleship journey and start a simple church? I have met with several folks who have expressed interest and a few that are going to make the leap this year. Why not join them? You never know what God will do unless you step out of the boat. Certainly don’t get out of the boat unless you hear Jesus calling you, but if you do hear… Read More »The Best Way To Start A Simple Church…