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Canceling Church

Do we “cancel church?” This is the question many church leaders are wrestling with today. The coronavirus is bringing many aspects of society to a screeching halt. Governments have asked churches to close. Are we “selling out” if we fail to stand up to the government? I would contend that the issue lies with the premise. While it may be possible and even necessary to cancel a church service, the Church cannot be canceled.  Jesus said, “I will build My church and gates of hell will not prevail against it.” I would like to suggest that He is doing just fine with this promise and the Coronavirus will not prevent Jesus from keeping His word. “But Gavin,” you say, “Church/church service–you are only bringing up a matter of semantics. We all know that the Church… Read More »Canceling Church

Good Friday Network Gathering

We will host a Good Friday worship and reflection gathering at the Prayer Room on Broadway in Lexington KY on Good Friday (April 10) at 7 pm! This time will feature worship and easter reflections from various simple church friends from the region.  We hope you and your family can make plans to celebrate Easter with us during this special simple church network gathering.  Light refreshments will be available.  If you desire to participate by sharing a scripture reading, song, poem, please let us know or just come prepared to share.  This is a great opportunity to bring friends and family as we celebrate together!   Good Friday Celebration Gathering – Hosted by the Simple Church Alliance 7pm // April 10, 2020 Lexington Prayer Room – 1218 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504 RSVP here

A Note From Gavin

Words can’t express the gratitude my family and I have for all the support we have received this year. Our hearts are full of love for so many of you who have reached out as we have faced the challenges associated with our wonderful daughter Wylie! Personally, this been the most difficult year of my life, but also one of the most rewarding as we have seen countless miracles of healing and of generosity! 2020 VISION As we look into 2020 much is uncertain. That is true for all of us. But many things are certain. Jesus is still King. His love is immense. His plans and purposes will prevail! As I have considered 2020 and how best to focus my energies with the Simple Church Alliance, while also seeking to primarily be there to… Read More »A Note From Gavin

#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?

Life Together: Leadership Gathering Nov. 16

Simple church leaders and those interested in leading simple church communities… Rubin McClain and I want to invite you to a two-part discussion on the short book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Part one will cover the first two chapters of Bonhoeffer’s classic book on Christian community.  We will enjoy a light breakfast together and examine together what the Lord might say to simple/house/organic church leaders through Bonhoeffer’s experience with the Lord.   When? Where? Life Together: Part 1 – Saturday, November 16th from 9-10:30 am First Southern National Bank at 3060 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, KY 40503.   While not required, it certainly would benefit all to have read these chapters prior to our time together.  You can purchase them online most anywhere and I’m sure that most libraries would also have the book.  If… Read More »Life Together: Leadership Gathering Nov. 16

Simple Church Training – August 10

Starting in August, we are going to try and moving our monthly leadership times around a bit.  We will try a Saturday morning and perhaps adjust them from month to month.  We know there is never a perfect time for everyone, but we also know that many of you are not able to ever come on the “Wednesday Evening” time we held this time on in the past.  Please RSVP on Eventbrite!  See you on August  Date And Time Sat, August 10, 2019 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM EDT Add to Calendar Location First Southern National Bank 3060 Harrodsburg Road #100 Lexington, KY 40503 View Map   Anyone leading a simple/house/organic church or interested in leading such a group is invited to join us for breakfast, prayer, and short discussion! Meet and hear from others… Read More »Simple Church Training – August 10

16 Characteristics of Spectators (and Disciple-Makers)

I recently came across this list of attitudes or characteristics of “Spectators” and “Disciple-makers.” I found these lists while reviewing old notes I jotted down during the first days of this website and ministry.   I believe they are from the book (or inspired by the book) “No More Spectators” by Mark Nyswander. It’s worth considering as simple church leaders are also people who desire to be apart of the Great Commission in the ways that Jesus demonstrated while here on earth! SPECTATORS Who can disciple me? “Not my job” “Not my gift” Discipleship is separate from normal life Can be very involved (actively passive) Faith is a one-time event Faith is private Can make good encouragers “I support missionaries and others who are making disciples” No time for discipleship Fear driven Entertainment driven Busy /… Read More »16 Characteristics of Spectators (and Disciple-Makers)