My Experiences with Simple Church
everal have prodded me to write about my positive experiences with simple church, rather than focus on criticisms of conventional church models. This is entirely fair, and I hope to do some of that here.
To begin with, I must offer a bit of a disclaimer. We have not fully experienced simple church in any kind of long-term, lasting situation yet. We are still very much “in process” and on the journey. Much of what I write about is still in its infancy, and some is even still very much in the outworking of theory.
Having said that, I will share a basic chronology of the journey, and augment with observations and personal testimony along the way.
Some of the seeds of simple church were planted many years ago when I was first involved in various implementations of small groups within a larger structure. Many times, I hear people say that some of the deepest experiences of spiritual growth and fellowship have taken place in small groups. My experience concurs.
Those small group experiences were very varied. Some were extremely structured, and others were much more informal. Perhaps one of the most memorable situations was when I was in college. The group of college kids in my home church began to get a bit frustrated with the Sunday School class that was provided for us. It just seemed like the teacher wasn’t really teaching much of anything that was prompting any kind of spiritual growth to take place.
We decided to start meeting in an unofficial capacity outside of the church structure for additional fellowship and study. We carefully chose a meeting time that would not conflict in any way with the church’s schedule, and we all continued to faithfully attend the Sunday School class on Sunday mornings (as well as the regular church services).
Each Saturday evening (I believe that was when we met), we invited different people to come speak with our group — at the start, it was usually one of the elders of the church. Over time, we invited other speakers from outside the church, and eventually began to spend time in the Word without a “leader”. It was fascinating! We would spend hours together as a group, fellowshipping, worshiping, praying, and studying. It felt like some of the most deep growth I had ever experienced in my life up until that point.
I don’t remember how long that group survived, but eventually, it ended up being viewed as an “unsanctioned” meeting, and we were told by the elders that we could no longer meet without continual elder oversight. Hmmm, maybe that was a foreshadowing of where things would end up going in my experience! 
We allowed one of the elders to “restructure” the group, and although there were still some times of growth, for the most part, things changed dramatically, and the group disintegrated over time.
At any rate, I never forgot that experience, nor others that were similar (I’m talking about the growth aspect). I spent many more years (probably about 15) involved in various levels of church leadership and laity. I taught, I preached, I “led worship”, I sat and listened, I gave financially, I received financially, I played, I sang…
Fast forward to the year 2003. I’ve written previously some of the details of what led me to reconsider my overall thinking on church organization, so I won’t repeat all of the details here. But suffice it to say that by the summer of 2003, I was seeking something different.
At this point, I had no clue that anybody else had ever had the same thoughts I was having. I tentatively shared them with Christy (to whom I was engaged to be married), fearing that it might scare her off. Instead, I found her to be quite open to what I was talking about, and together we began to search for answers.
I officially resigned my last church position in December, 2003 in preparation for my move to Boone, NC, and to pursue this new concept (new to me). As Christy and I found, however, many before us had already discovered the concept of what we termed at the time “house church”. We had not yet heard the term “simple church”, but what we read and studied both in terms of Scripture and resources from those already “doing it” matched our thoughts.
In February, 2004, we got together with several other families who also seemed to be seeking this type of fellowship, and began our first attempt at a “house church”. For the next eighteen months, we experienced quite a bit of what we imagined it could be like.
Not everything during that time was perfect. In fact, there was actually quite a bit of stuff that wasn’t even close to perfect! But once again, we experienced some of the same things that I had experienced earlier in life.
There were times when our gatherings would last over five hours! And even then, leaving would be reluctant. It was so thrilling to see so many people contribute to the gathering. Whether it was simple musical worship, or Spirit-led times of prayer, or challenging discussions about various texts of scripture, it was so refreshing.
During that time, I became even more convinced that nothing could replace the type of gathering where all are free to contribute. Not based on a schedule or agenda, nor on anyone’s “position” within the group, but simply as the Spirit led.
Eventually, for a variety of reasons, one family after another left. With the exception of us, everyone was still heavily involved in other churches (which was fine with us — we never asked anyone to leave their church), and eventually that pulled them away. Finally, it was back to just us.
In the months following, we made every effort to rest in Jesus and not try to force anything to happen. At times, it seemed lonely. Very lonely. But over time, God brought people into our lives who shared the same passion.
Currently, we are still seeking together what that means. Our gatherings together are not nearly as frequent as we would like. (By “we”, I mean all of us who are seeking this together.) But when we do get together, I still feel that same excitement and delight at watching the body work together in fellowship and growth. And I come away feeling refreshed and eager to get back together again!
It’s kind of funny because we don’t meet all together weekly, and yet when we do meet, it’s usually for four or five hours. It’s like getting together with family — in fact, that’s what it is. And while we don’t have all the answers (or even very many of them) as to what it should look like, or what it will look like in the future, I do feel like we’re on the right path.
In these gatherings, I continually find myself challenged and encouraged. I find that my awareness of the indwelling of Christ is heightened beyond anything I have ever experienced. And my love for Him and for His body deepens.
In addition to the gatherings as a group, there are the personal relationships. Two of my regular readers and commenters here (Raborn and David [ded]) are part of this family. And while I don’t get to spend as much time with David as I would like (not even close!), I do get the blessing of meeting with Raborn on a weekly basis for either breakfast or lunch. Those times are deeply challenging, refreshing, and encouraging to me. And two to three hours can fly by in a heartbeat!
All in all, with the exception of wishing that we could figure out a way to meet more frequently as a gathering of believers, I can’t say that I would necessarily trade any of this for anything else. And I’m learning to see simple church as a lifestyle of relationships, not just a certain type or frequency of meeting. In some ways, because of my interaction with David and Raborn here, this blog is a part of our simple church. And it allows us to connect with other believers in unique ways, too. My times with Raborn are part of simple church. Times when we fellowship together even when only one other couple can make it are part of simple church.
Simple church is a “way of life” for us, and we are constantly seeking more ways to make that a reality. I don’t know where this journey will lead, but I’m loving it!
Until next time,
steve 
January 25th, 2007 00:23
This is a great testimony, Steve. Thanks so much for sharing it. It’s nice to hear how God has worked in your life to bring you to where you are now.
January 25th, 2007 00:35
Steve,
Thanks for sharing about your journey; that is, how you got here! Some of that, I didn’t even know. I am thankful to have you as a brother.
I too am feeling like “simple church” might be more a way of life than a distinctive kind of meeting. I want to learn and experience more of what God has in store for simple-styled meetings, but I am also enjoying viewing “church” as a lifestyle versus a location or formula.
Simple church has helped me to understand what fellowship should look like. Simple church has allowed me to “let my hair down” somewhat and ask the hard questions that are sometimes taboo in traditional circles. Looking at church as an identity rather than a service, building, or a shared doctrinal stance has allowed me to interact with others that I might have avoided in the past due to differences in service style or non-essential doctrinal belief.
I don’t know where this journey will lead either, but like you, I am enjoying it and looking forward to the rest of the ride!
PS…Gordon, 12:23am? You must be a night-owl too, huh?;>
January 25th, 2007 00:40
Gordon, thanks, brother!
Raborn, “let [your] hair down”???? Dude, you have to actually stop shaving your head and let your hair grow before you can use a phrase like that
hehe Seriously, thanks for being my brother.
January 25th, 2007 00:59
Raborn, blogging is one of the upsides of chronic insomnia.
January 25th, 2007 08:07
Steve,
Thanks for this testimony. It is encouraging to hear how God is working in your life. You may not know the answer to this question, but why do you think the added structure and oversight (by an elder) caused the college group to disintegrate?
Thanks,
-Alan
January 25th, 2007 08:29
Alan, I really tried very hard in this post to focus on the simple church aspect of my experience and not on the faults of, or difficulties with, the institutional church. So, if you don’t mind, I am going to pass on that question for now, at least.
January 25th, 2007 09:26
Steve,
I understand. I really wasn’t thinking of the question in terms of simple church vs. any other type of church. I’m trying to learn what might cause a group of splinter or stop growing. Whatever the causes, it could also happen in simple church. I definitely understand your desire to keep on topic though.
Again, thanks for this great article. It defintely encouraged me.
-Alan
January 25th, 2007 09:33
Alan, I know that wasn’t the intent of your question. I just don’t know how to answer it without it sounding like a criticism of that particular church and the way that structure played out.
I’ll email you.
January 25th, 2007 13:51
Steve -
Thanks for sharing your journey with us! I appreciate your honesty and I am thankful, too, to have you as a brother …
January 25th, 2007 17:09
Steve,
Wonderful, wonderful testimony. I had been looking forward to this post ever since Gordon put that proverbial bug in your ear a few posts back. Thanks for chronicling part of your journey and allowing a glimpse into this personal, intimate part of your life.
January 25th, 2007 20:24
Steve,
I just let my hair down earlier today…I got my buzzer and down the drain it went!:(
January 26th, 2007 07:54
Steve,
We are agreed on the time issue. I have debated and debated myself again, over what professional paths to follow and time is always the major factor. I long for more time with family in Christ.
You are so right about it isn’t the frequency but the depth. Yet, depth infrequently isn’t satisfying either. We’re planning on being at your house on Sunday!
I agree also, that in some ways this blog group functions somewhat similarly to “simple” church.
So, for the information of the other readers: My wife and I left an organized body ten years ago, and in so doing became distant with a number of very dear brothers and sisters with whom we had relationships of significant length. My wife had been a part of the fellowship for 22 years and me for 18.
In Nov. 06, a group of forty or so folks split from the church. Four of the six elders were part of this group. The issues of our break and this most recent one both had to do with the functioning of leadership; specifically, what is the appropriate level of control exercised by the elders over the body?
Anyway, I visited their gathering Sunday before last. It was wonderful to be with family again!! Most of the folks are new faces to me, but there are many whom my wife and I have never ceased to love.
Being Christians means (in my idealism, at least, and I think I am finding this reality) that there is a very quick and very deep fellowship and love between those who are in the Spirit of Christ. Additionally, time and distance cannot dampen this exchange when we find ourselves face to face. The splintering we see of Christianity over doctrines is unnecessary and a function of our immaturity. Well, that’s my positon anyway! 8^)
January 26th, 2007 22:22
Steve,
Thanks for sharing your testimony of your experience with simple church. It sounds much like our home groups we have in our church. Heather and I need to come visit some time and check out your fellowship…
Be blessed…
Brandon
January 29th, 2007 00:48
Steve,
Thanks for posting on this. I’ve been talking to a number of people about simple church lately, and have to admit there is a lot about it that really grabs me.
January 29th, 2007 13:27
I want to read this post more thoroughly when I have more time but I wanted to show you an article I ran across..in christianity today…have you seen this?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/february/11.35.html
January 29th, 2007 21:59
Ugh. I’m way behind on acknowledging comments!!
Forgive the general comment here, but thank you to all of you who have commented here. Sharing more personally like this is a bit more vulnerable, but I hope it helps you all see the very personal side of all of this.
I simply encourage each of you to continue to seek, pursue, and not settle for anything less than what God wants the body of Christ to be. I know I haven’t arrived at where He wants me to be, and I know that our fledgling experiences of simple church here in Boone are not all God wants, but by His grace, we continue to move toward that.
January 31st, 2007 12:32
Simplicity is such more natural environment for pursuing Christ than the structured way church has evolved over the centuries…there is nothing wrong with comparing what you are learning with the way it has been done in the traditional circles you have grown up in either…it is a logical means of ruling certain things out…my mentality is this…I don’t know what works or is right but I know what isn’t….there is a living spirit in each of us as believers that enables us to sense the way and though we may have been told in an institutional setting that we are babes and must be taught and led…in truth, we are instinctually prepared by God, even as new babes in Christ, to listen, to smell, to sense The Way…and to follow..His sheep know His voice…He will guide us into all truth…Here’s to following His lead…
January 31st, 2007 13:26
Steven,
We also have found the simple church concept works well especially when spiritual transformation is the main goal.
We’ve found a way to successfully bring the Church home to the neighborhood and tweaked it so anyone can do it. The neighbors have taken ownership of it themselves and it’s taking off.
We helped them get free teaching tools which have proven to be a huge success. They love the concept for it’s simplicity and ease of use. They also really like the fact that no one has to jump through hoops to do it.
Our biggest challenge we face is when a “Neighborhood Life” group starts (That’s what the neighbors call it.), it is usually so successful that someone in the group wants to start another one at thier own house the next week.
The good news about this challenge is because of the way we have set it up, they can usually do just that and are almost always successful.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
Some of the pastors in the area are getting nervous about what’s happening even though they are benefitting. Many of the people from these groups begin to attend corporate churches for the first time. Yet the Church ministry leaders do not feel they have control over the process outside their walls and that causes uncertainty for them.
The world is changing. The Church is coming home.
Steven
simplechurch.tv
January 31st, 2007 21:46
jg, thank you for that comment. You are always encouraging in your comments, and I thank you for that.
Here’s to following His lead…
Indeed!
February 10th, 2007 16:12
Steve: Will we ever be more than a group of people seeking the same thing but finding different ways to occupy our time in so doing. I doubt that we will ever be on the “same” path—ie. everybody in one big room doing the same thing and being on the same page.
I have personality challeges that limit me connecting with you and so on and so forth.
I really appreciate you but whether we will ever meet in the middle is unlikely—not because that is not our desire but that is the way things are.
I went to a “church in progress” meeting the other night. I brought my djembe (hand drum) to the meeting having talked with the girl who led praise and worship the week before who said she thought it woud be a nice addition. However, the worship leader that night was not really into my playing with him even though I had showed up early. The door was clearly closed. His music was over the top—but I feel it would have been better with me playing—adding to his beat.
The meeting went on as planned. No thought that it might be the holy spirit bringing me to this place. They had already decided what it looked like.
Is this bad?
It seems like life is this way. There is a play book somewhere that we follow: simple church follows these rules and denominations follow these other rules and so on.
The church in Acts is an example to pattern ourselves after. But we are “ourselves”. We can’t be everybody.
I hope you don’t take this in the wrong way. I am just trying to spell my words right.
We become Republican or Democrat and make what we believe fit into the box. Or we vote independent and live with the fact that no one will ever fully understand us.
Peace. Enjoy. I am glad for you and your family that you are well and progressing. That is a blessing.
February 11th, 2007 21:59
Terry, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I wonder if you would care to flesh out two of your statements, as I’m not really sure I understand what you mean by them:
I have personality challenges that limit me connecting with you and so on and so forth.
I really appreciate you but whether we will ever meet in the middle is unlikely—not because that is not our desire but that is the way things are.
I’d love to get some more from you on what these comments mean to you. More specifically, what does “meeting in the middle” look like to you? And is our unity in the Spirit dependent on personality? If I have, in any way, given you that impression, we need to talk!
If you’d rather discuss it privately, you can email me.
February 12th, 2007 07:58
[...] but I feel like we’re getting some of the benefits of what Steve Sensenig points to in his post about “simple church.” I’m not necessarily all that interested in simple church for myself—I feel like [...]
February 12th, 2007 14:06
It is embarassing to say that I can’t fully remember what I meant by having “…personality challenges.”
Dictionary.com says that embarrasing is:
To cause to feel self-conscious or ill at ease;
or to complicate.
I guess that in trying to figure out where I fit in all of this church stuff, I have been left with the feeling that the lack of cohesiveness that I feel is somehow my fault. That my lack of “getting with the program” is due to my own issues and not the very program I was trying to figure out and speak into.
I apologize for seeming flipant.
A remark to me by a friend the other day may clarify. He said:
The guys “who don’t want you to play” aren’t awake yet to their yearning to be home with each other; they still think they have to matter.”
As to the other statement—I have recently become aware of the fact that seeing eye to eye or being on the same page with anyone is a lot more difficult than I had ever imagined it would be.
Have I quit trusting in the process of sanctification and subsequent reconciliation. I don’t know for sure.
Anyway—I am more aware of the challenges that I bring to any relationship—and perhaps this is what I was alluding to.
Words have been my friend for a long time—yet even the best ones have left me wihtout a real sense of the extreme poetry of my life.
I do appreciate you and value our friendship and would not do anything to jepordize that.
You are certainly more sure of your path than I am of mine at this present moment in time.
There is a longing in me to lead a “reckless” life. Certainly a holy one—but with abandonment of the kind that David displayed when he danced before the Lord.
Somewhere in the cloudy recesses of my mind I do have permission to do this, as unto the Lord. However it seems there is still some excavation to do in removing the obstacles to this goal.
This is way off the thread of “simple church” but could be re-titled “Just Looking Into the Prospect of Simple”.
Have a great day!
April 28th, 2008 01:27
Yo Steve,
I really appreciate your testimony. It’s heartening to hear about fellow Christians trying answer the questions of “What now?” and “Where do we go from here?” after being called out of institutional church. It’s been two years since my departure, and I’m still struggling with it. Sometimes I feel like I’m just hanging out in the parking lot of institutional church, exchanging criticisms and IC horror stories with my fellow heretics, but doing very little that is truly productive. Still, I feel that God is starting to illuminate a path, part of which seems to be connecting with like-minded believers from various corners of the globe. The simple church network of which I am a part has been hosting retreats for simple-churchers in our region, and it has been amazing how much spiritual unity has quickly developed among such a diverse group of Christians from very different church cultures. It has also been fascinating hearing all these stories of how God has independently called these people out of the IC, even calling some of them to abandon successful careers as pastors and ministers to start small fellowships that meet in homes. I really have no idea where God is taking this thing, but whatever the Good Lord is up to, it’s sure to be an adventure.