Many are walking away from large, production-driven expressions of church—not because they’ve lost faith, but because they’re hungry for something raw. Enter Simple Church (House Church, Micro Church)
I think my first exposure to doing "simple church" was when I meet you, Scott, Ken and Keith and you were doing that Bible study in Quail Run. That was an expression of a simple church. Later in CO we got connected to a couple different simple churches, and really we are still part of that simple church network but Simple Church has captured my heart a long time ago. I think there is room and need for both models still in this country. As long as they are glorifying God. Not to be critical, but from my experience whether it's simple or a traditional model we still all fall short. I have just as much responsibility as anyone in this. But honestly, I have not seen any model or church come close to living out Acts 2:44-45. That really wouldn't be a popular discipleship point in the church, or at least in the Western Church. I have witnessed it in the church in India though.
It's true Jeromy! I too, think both are needed. God uses all forms. These more tension filled posts are to be thought provoking. (although IMHO Simlme Church is closer) I long for the day that we see Him face to face and experience true community!
To be honest, my only challenge with the thought of simple church is the blurred boundaries between church and family life. I understand that church ideally should feel like family but still ..
That's a good thought process, Cathy. Also, and also Simple church might not be for everyone. I don’t think we all have to experience the same form of church. They all work together to advance the kingdom of God on planet Earth. For me simple Church is the way, but for others maybe attractional Church works.
May I ask why you call it "attractional"? To me the pros and cons of each model might compete weight wise, both a potential test of individual boundaries but in different contexts.
hey Kathy. This could be a cultural issue where in America churches attempt to produce the best product in order to attract the greatest number of people. I think their hearts are right, but the amount of money and time and energy that it takes to produce the best service in town often takes away from missionand mission of living and wears out the serving inside of it.
I’ve been listening to Dr. Tom Wordsworth because I feel it vibes with the stuff you wrote here on Simple Church. I’ve walked away from my own denomination because of leadership abuse and corruption and having time to reflect on “what is church.” I think this all went overdrive with the pandemic because this question has constantly been bugging me ever since I was in Bible school.
Where are you landing, Jonathan? I'm so thankful you didn't decide to turn your back on God and "deconstruct" through you pain. You remained faithful even though your tribe hurt you! Well done, good and faithful servant of the King!
It was an insightful read and one consistent with my observations of late. I haven't considered facilitating one, but I'll pray on it. I certainly have a need for one in my immediate area that I can see and meet with IRL.
This resonates with me in so many ways. Great observation and history lesson about "Church".
The model you describe that's making a transformation back to the original ways of the Church, seems much more consistent and accommodating with what I read and understand from the Bible.
I can't help but parallel this statement with when Judas told Jesus the woman who poured expensive perfume on his feet and cleaned it with her hair could have given the money spent on it to the spreading of the gospel and welfare of less privileged 😊
Some of my best times with church has been within simple church structures.
Yes, brother!!
I think my first exposure to doing "simple church" was when I meet you, Scott, Ken and Keith and you were doing that Bible study in Quail Run. That was an expression of a simple church. Later in CO we got connected to a couple different simple churches, and really we are still part of that simple church network but Simple Church has captured my heart a long time ago. I think there is room and need for both models still in this country. As long as they are glorifying God. Not to be critical, but from my experience whether it's simple or a traditional model we still all fall short. I have just as much responsibility as anyone in this. But honestly, I have not seen any model or church come close to living out Acts 2:44-45. That really wouldn't be a popular discipleship point in the church, or at least in the Western Church. I have witnessed it in the church in India though.
It's true Jeromy! I too, think both are needed. God uses all forms. These more tension filled posts are to be thought provoking. (although IMHO Simlme Church is closer) I long for the day that we see Him face to face and experience true community!
I hope to see that day too
Oh and also, do you remember that apartment church was called INFINITY Plus. 😂🤣😂
We had no idea what we were doing and it was beautiful!
I did not remember that ....but that is amazing how God was working
To be honest, my only challenge with the thought of simple church is the blurred boundaries between church and family life. I understand that church ideally should feel like family but still ..
That's a good thought process, Cathy. Also, and also Simple church might not be for everyone. I don’t think we all have to experience the same form of church. They all work together to advance the kingdom of God on planet Earth. For me simple Church is the way, but for others maybe attractional Church works.
May I ask why you call it "attractional"? To me the pros and cons of each model might compete weight wise, both a potential test of individual boundaries but in different contexts.
hey Kathy. This could be a cultural issue where in America churches attempt to produce the best product in order to attract the greatest number of people. I think their hearts are right, but the amount of money and time and energy that it takes to produce the best service in town often takes away from missionand mission of living and wears out the serving inside of it.
I’ve been listening to Dr. Tom Wordsworth because I feel it vibes with the stuff you wrote here on Simple Church. I’ve walked away from my own denomination because of leadership abuse and corruption and having time to reflect on “what is church.” I think this all went overdrive with the pandemic because this question has constantly been bugging me ever since I was in Bible school.
Where are you landing, Jonathan? I'm so thankful you didn't decide to turn your back on God and "deconstruct" through you pain. You remained faithful even though your tribe hurt you! Well done, good and faithful servant of the King!
Let's talk about this!
DM me!
It was an insightful read and one consistent with my observations of late. I haven't considered facilitating one, but I'll pray on it. I certainly have a need for one in my immediate area that I can see and meet with IRL.
Shashue. I woukd be happy to help you if you get to that point.
I certainly will Kevin and I will point your attention back to this note, if and when I do move in that direction. 😳👍🏿🙏🏿
Blessings!
Part of my “arsenal”…🔥
Love it, Jessie! Let’s Go!
This resonates with me in so many ways. Great observation and history lesson about "Church".
The model you describe that's making a transformation back to the original ways of the Church, seems much more consistent and accommodating with what I read and understand from the Bible.
Shashue! Thank you for engaging in the conversation! Are you considering facilitating a simple church?
I can't help but parallel this statement with when Judas told Jesus the woman who poured expensive perfume on his feet and cleaned it with her hair could have given the money spent on it to the spreading of the gospel and welfare of less privileged 😊