A recent Wall Street Journal article* extolls the virtues of hierarchical structures in an increasingly networked society. Tom and Gavin examine this article in the context of church. Is hierarchy good or harmful when applied to ecclesiology? How much hierarchy is needed for a church to function? How much does it take to become toxic? How do we find the right balance?
*In Praise of Hierarchy, by Niall Ferguson https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-praise-of-hierarchy-1515175338
Missionaries suggest that the North American Church – as we normally experience it – is not the friendliest place in which to disciple a new Christian from a culture different from our own. There are many barriers and obstacles that a cross-cultural disciple must overcome in order to grow in Christ within the American Church. How can we make that adjustment easier for someone from a different culture? Is the attractional church model effective in this case? Could the Simple Church do any better? Listen as Tom and Gavin discuss discipleship and hospitality in the church.
Today, Gavin interviews Jeff Fields, co-author – along with his brother Roger – of the book “Breaking the Hex: Life With God After the Cross Killed Religion.” While the title sounds complicated, the concept is simple. Living the Christian life is not nearly as hard as we try to make it. All our efforts to try to get God to love us are in vain. God already loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us on the cross. We merely need to rest in Him. Yet the simplicity of the Gospel is too foreign for many people who think that it is only through great effort that one attains approval by God. This is part two of a two-part series.
To see Jeff’s and Roger’s Book, go here:
Today, Gavin interviews Jeff Fields, co-author – along with his brother Roger – of the book “Breaking the Hex: Life With God After the Cross Killed Religion.” While the title sounds complicated, the concept is simple. Living the Christian life is not nearly as hard as we try to make it. All our efforts to try to get God to love us are in vain. God already loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us on the cross. We merely need to rest in Him. Yet the simplicity of the Gospel is too foreign for many people who think that it is only through great effort that one attains approval by God. This is part one of a two-part series.
To see Jeff’s and Roger’s Book, go here:
Recent events in the news remind us that even in the twenty-first century there exists a great deal of racial tension in North America. Even the church is not immune to prejudice, misunderstanding and injustice. Today, Gavin and Tom have a conversation about racial tensions and explore options for reconciliation within the Simple Church.
What is the most effective way to tell a friend how much Jesus means to you? How do you relate the gospel of Jesus to someone you’ve just met? Is there a fool-proof way of doing evangelism? Today, Tom and Gavin discuss the topic of sharing one’s faith.
One of the most common criticisms of Simple Churches is that they can become inwardly focused. We can meet together with the same few people each week, but we seldom invite visitors to our fellowship. Growth is stagnant. Outreach to unbelievers is weak. In fact, many Christians seldom interact with an unbeliever from day to day. Gavin and Tom discuss ways for small groups and simple churches to turn their focus outward toward a broken world that needs Jesus.
Gavin is podcasting solo today. In this episode, Gavin describes Life Transformation Groups, a way to disciple small groups of 2-3 people. LTGs were developed by Neil Cole of Church Multiplication Associates. We will hear a few words from him as well.
Can a small group like a Life Transformation Group ultimately lead to the formation of a Simple Church? What does that process look like?
To see or hear more about Life Transformation Groups, go to Neil’s website:
Today, Gavin and Tom ask the question “What IS a church?” We can all describe church based on what we experience: a place to go, a group to belong to. But what do the scriptures say about who or what is the Church?
Watch this video to see the “triangle and square” concept Gavin described in the podcast:
I think we can use the standard techniques for seeing how we are doing but also need to gauge our…
Awesome sauce. Great need to listen to again. A three month debrief how are we doing?
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Keep It Simple: a Simple Church Podcast 
Tom and Gavin: Thanks for finding and sharing the video from Chan. He really does get it! Another brother who…