On similar paths
Often I get the question, “Are there any other churches doing this?” when explaining the idea of a “simple church network.” While we know that many Christians outside of North America experience church differently than our traditional Sunday service-centered church, consider the following findings of the Barna Group that may be surprising: The most prolific … Read more
NBC News Report – 9% Protestants Attend House Church Only
(On 10/21/10) Brian Williams on NBC’s Nightly News reported that, at a time when the Crystal Cathedral in California is filing for bankruptcy, 9% of American Protestants now attend only house church. This is an estimated 6-12 million people. (See the link below.) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39787679#39787679 interesting extra footage: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39787679#39784379
FREE BOOK: So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore?
Wow! One of the books on the “recommended readings” list I posted here awhile back is actually available for free! You can download this book in a pdf format (reminder: you can read pdf files on your iphone or ipad and you can always read on your computer or print it out) or download it … Read more
21 Opportunities
As we have worked through the vision class for the new church plant, we have identified 21 opportunities that a “simple church network” could provide. Perhaps you can think of additional opportunities? 1. Deepening of relationships with members of the church 2. Easier to invite some into home than to a “church” 3. More participation … Read more
Lost and Found
Interesting Statistics From The Book, Lost and Found, by Setzer 1. 9/10 unchurched would be willing to listen to someone share his or her beliefs. 2. 3/5 would be willing to study the Bible with a friend’s invitation. 3. ½ surveyed said that they would be willing to learn more about the Bible and Jesus … Read more
Let’s Go Die With Jesus?
Let’s go and die with Jesus? I can remember sitting in my “second office” at Panera several months ago identifying with Thomas in John 11. In this chapter, Jesus invites the disciples to leave their present comfort to see Lazarus who has recently died. Thomas, mindful of just having come from Judea where Jesus escaped … Read more
“A Vision For Being The Church” UPDATE
I am updating those involved with the orientation class, “A Vision for Being The Church.” I’ve been so excited and encouraged by all of you as we have explored the vision for this new work in our community. Here is a brief summary of our discussion: CORE VALUES IDENTIFIED SO FAR Week 1: Community: The … Read more
Something to Consider
“The greatest problem affecting church planting strategy today is a theological problem. And church planters must realize that the missionary task to which they are called requires that they teach the whole counsel of God and allow the cultural expressions to develop from the people over time. An ecclesiological shift is necessary. Not a shift … Read more
Simplifying Discipleship
This past Sunday, we had a great conversation in the “vision” class for the new church plant about discipleship. In light of our conversation, I thought I would share a link to a great blog post on the subject. I would love to hear your thoughts! Click Here to read! “A VISION FOR BEING THE … Read more
