Short version … for those on the run …
To be honest, the first time I heard the term “simple church” I recoiled from it as though one were suggesting we turn God’s idea of His ekklesia into something more simplistic to satisfy our own ends. However, this is not the intent at all.
If I spoke of simplifying my life I would be referring to a desire to get back to basics or, better yet, a resolve to return to a more pure, authentic lifestyle. I would be suggesting that I have unnecessarily complicated my life in some way and want to rid myself of the superfluous clutter I’ve somehow accumulated.
It is in this way that I use the phrase “simple church”. Yes, it is an expression with limitations; as is any term we place in front of the word “church”. However, it is helpful in capturing our desire to return to the simplicity and purity of the organic, relational, missional church we read about in the New Testament.
And thus, it also implies the need to shed the complexities and clutter we’ve added to the concept of church; acknowledging that there are more than a few sacred cows that need to be turned into juicy hamburgers.
In the “long version” (below) we unpack this thought further and offer a working definition for the phrase “simple church”, suggest some valid synonyms and explain why “simple church” captures our desire to return to a Biblical, Kingdom way of life.
Long version … for those who have a more than a moment …
So, what is simple church?
This is a very good question since adding a defining word to the word “church” has serious limitations. Definitions that help us now may hinder us later. Why? By nature, we tend to box things or settle for helpful formulas. The problem is, of course, that somewhere along the way we start to put our focus on the formula rather than God. And often, we only realise that we crossed the line when it is too late. (Of course, it is never too late in the mercy of God. However, the time and energy spent in breaking old forms and the insidious dependencies they foment, is exhausting and often leaves casualties along the way).
Having mentioned this caution, I concede that definitions are important and unavoidable. The wisdom writer declared, “the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). We can dream of a time when one day “church” means to everyone what it ought to but until that day we will have to reluctantly use some workable definitions. And by workable, I mean, definitions that we hold lightly enough so that we keep the dialogue open as we pursue a deeper understanding of God’s intention for His ekklesia. (Please see the article entitled, “What does ekklesia mean?”1).
For this reason, we use the following terms interchangeably in the hope that we avoid the box: simple church, organic church, missional church, relational church, redeemed communities, Kingdom communities, home church, house church, etc. etc. (Do you want to add a few of your own?) None of these terms by themselves are sufficient and all of them have their limitations. However, they’re helpful and workable … for now.
Again, the question is: What is simple church?
Perhaps the best place to start then in answering this question is to clarify that we are not referring to a new methodology or structure. We’re not talking about re-arranging the furniture of the church – and I mean this both metaphorically and literally. (Some emerging church voices seem to feel we’ve gone far enough by bringing some innovation into our church experience … so in comes comfortable couches, multimedia presentations and interactive sermons. While any change is refreshing, we’re convinced more is required. We’re looking for transformation not just innovation, even though innovation can often be the first steps towards transformation).
Thus, simple church is not a new way of doing small groups; it’s not merely an adaptation of the cell group model or an innovation of the G12 strategy. We’re referring to a new way of life not a new method.
Then what is it? Come on, spit it out …
By simple church we refer to a values-based approach to being a Kingdom-shaped church; viewing church essentially as organic, relational and fluid rather than institutional, hierarchical and rigid; a Kingdom family rather than a business enterprise. And thus while every simple church certainly won’t look the same, we are all whistling the same tune.
For us the main thing is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), being about our Father’s Kingdom business, in a no-nonsense commitment to the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). Fuelled and informed by the love of God, our hearts desire is to make disciple-makers; followers of Christ who in turn make disciples, multiplying the life of God.
And we’re convinced that God’s chosen means through which His life multiplies is a reproducible missional community; a spiritual family that finds its covenant and communal life revolving around their homes and places of influence. And as we demonstrate the Gospel of the Kingdom; alive, in love and on mission, cooperating with the Lord of the Harvest, our communal life becomes the launch pad for Kingdom exploits – whether this is into a specific neighbourhood, niche of society or another nation of the world.
We’re often asked if we’re the “house church” people. The honest answer is:
No!
While we’re fully persuaded that communal life, 24/7 week-in-and-week-out is the meat and potatoes of a Biblical church experience, we’re certainly not saying that moving a weekly meeting from a building on the corner of the street into a lounge room somewhere is the whole ballgame. This is not a case of, “Honey, I shrunk the church“.
Shrink wrapping “big church” into “small church” will not change the world and, in our experience, can easily lead either to an ingrown group of “us-four-and-no-more” or, when hurting people leave “big church” to find salvation in “small church”, many eventually settle for “no church”. To be clear, the answer is not found in bringing all the problems of “big church” to a living room near you.
Yet true community is the result of believers who fan their passion for the King and His Kingdom come into full flame. Engaged with Christ and His mission, fellowship is the wonderful by-product of a community in love with their God, with one another and thrilled to be a part of His work in their world. Discipleship becomes a vital ingredient in the recipe and releasing one another to begin new Kingdom communities is expected and celebrated.
If we’re not the “house church” people then what are we?
I’d like to think that we’re simply “followers of Jesus” or Kingdom people … or as the early church was called, those “of the Way” (Acts 9:2). The first century believers had found a new Way to live centred on Christ and His mission. We’re pressing out for no less than this.
Do we really need any other designation than that?
Notes:
1 What does ekklesia mean? http://crosswaveglobal.wordpress.com/2010/01/01/what-does-ekklesia-mean/
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