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“Troops” in India

Upon returning from a recent trip to India, a friend took me out for coffee to tell me of his encounter with a former nun, Sister Angelica, who has trained over 20,000 Christian “soldiers”  to lead “troops” throughout her country.  Below is a training handout that Sister Angelica uses while helping to start troops and train up new leaders. Some of this may seem odd to our western use of language and sensibilities.  To be clear, I would not advocate starting simple churches here with such guidelines.  That being said, I wonder if there are more than a few good lessons we can learn from our Indian sister as we consider making disciples and multiplying simple churches here in the States?  Personally, I am not a fan of artificial timelines for reproducing simple churches, but… Read More »“Troops” in India

Communion Lessons: Childlike Humility

By Karla Duerson Gavin asked today, “In what way does God want me to be more childlike in my humility?” referring to Matthew 18:2-4 from the Bible.  Nothing personal came to mind at first.  Then later when I was cleaning up from our Simple Church gathering, something came. It was a new thought based on a familiar dilemma.  Normally, after everyone leaves I busily and easily put all the dishes in the washer, scrape the leftovers into the garbage disposal, put the toys in the bin, place books on the shelf, but then I come to the elements.  I go to the bread and the juice and I pause. This plate seems more sacred than the rest.  I don’t feel well dumping the contents of either the plate or cup down the sink, though I… Read More »Communion Lessons: Childlike Humility

How Would You Answer?

“I really want to start following Jesus…what should I do?”  If a friend asked you this question today, how would you respond?  For me this scenario highlights the “church” paradigm shift that has transpired in my life and touches on a key reason why I believe so strongly in the simple church journey. For most of my life, I have thought the appropriate response to a disciple would look a little like this checklist: –“Find a good church”–maybe mine, maybe another if it would be a better fit. –Set up a meeting with the pastor of the church to talk about membership and getting baptized. –Check into various ministries in which to serve and meet other people with similar interests who are also following Jesus. –Start regular Bible reading–maybe I would even recommend a place… Read More »How Would You Answer?

Simple Church Revolution – Free Book

I wanted to make everyone aware of a great FREE resource.  I recently revisited Roger Thoman’s free ebook “Simple/House Church Revolution” and it is really a great resource for anyone considering simple/house church ministry.  In addition, since it is free, sharing this resource with friends could be an excellent starting point to see who might be interested in joining you on the simple church journey!  Always know that we are here to help train, encourage, and support you along the way so let us know who we can serve you! Click Here to Download From the back cover: Simple/House Church Revolution explores how the church can re-discover her true nature as a movement of Jesus-following radicals.  You will discover how dynamic church can be when believers live a lifestyle that reflects Jesus’ own life and… Read More »Simple Church Revolution – Free Book

Mega House Church (Rap)

Most of my life I have enjoyed satire.  Satire will often seek to approve of or accept as normal ideas that the satirist is actually seeking to attack.  Such is the case in this goofy song that applies attractional, hierarchical, personality driven, pulpit centered, church growth, clergy/laity ideas to simple/house/organic church ministry.

Not to Abandon Community

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….

Fall Celebration – Oct 21st

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 simple church (or individual/family if you are not presently involved in a simple church) to bring enough food for your group (sandwiches, sides, and deserts) to be placed on a sharing table.  The Simple Church… Read More »Fall Celebration – Oct 21st

Guest Blog: A Transition To Simple Church

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 me as I accidentally yawn while trying to introduce myself. It is slightly embarrassing. Second, how does an introvert like myself fit into this kind of a setting? I sometimes shut down when there is… Read More »Guest Blog: A Transition To Simple Church

Why Simple Churches Do Not Work

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 helpful to really plead with the Lord to show you what He desires to do in you through your confusion and discontent.  In addition, I always find it helpful to seek counsel from those who… Read More »Why Simple Churches Do Not Work