simplechurch.co.uk

what do simple churches look like?

Often get asked this question. So here's a great picture from some guys in Equador who I know of.

"1) 6:30 pm we began with around 20 adults and several children, meeting in the home of the church planter which also doubles as a beauty parlor during the week. All the hair dressing equipment had been moved to another room to make space for the plastic chairs that were set up in a circle around the small room. It was very hot and crowded, but nobody seemed to mind (except the visiting missionaries!)

2) We sang a cappella 2 hymns, 1 psalm, and 1 praise chorus, all chosen at random by those present from tattered song books and a few xeroxed copies. No instruments--nobody there could play, no praise band, no orchestra, no choir, no microphones, pulpit, or any of the other 'essentials' that many consider necessary in order to have 'church'. The singing was off-key, but it was a joyful sound!

3) Several people shared testimonies of how God is working in their lives and experiences from the week. There was an open time of prayer."

Go here for the full story.

posted by alexander @ 12:27 PM 4 comments

4 Comments:

It's nice to know we are on the same wavelength... Roland Allen etc. Did you know about these guys from Ecuador before I spotted their blog and posted a link?

By Ross Garner, at 5:16 PM

Hi Ross
Yes I was with one of their team for a week in Austin, Texas back in 2003; it was still early days in their movement but as Southern Baptists they had gone from seeing one new church per year over 40 years to over 100 planted in 1 year! though its also nice to see how honest Guy is about the failures as well as the successes.

By alexander, at 5:58 PM

Ross and Alexander,

The team member you met in Austin was Barbara Rivers. She is currently Stateside but should be getting back in June. Yes, we definitely have our share of failures. Last night we met with several other church planters just to share and encourage one another to remain faithful in the face of many setbacks. One guy suggested we begin a weekly study of the Eph.6 armour since we are all in spiritual battle. I thought it was an excellent suggestion. Pray for us as the Spirit brings us to mind, as we will do for you as well.

By GuyMuse, at 2:31 PM

We certainly will Guy. I get the xml feed from your blog so will keep an eye that way. A.

By alexander, at 1:30 PM

emerging church, emergent, simple church, house church, home church.

4 Comments:

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