Why was this site started?

Let us begin with a very important fact. The goal of the site is not to criticize traditional or institutional churches. Yes, some of the articles make comparisons and some of the writers do strongly question traditional practices. However, those of us who have created this site did so for several reasons:

1. To provide help and encouragement particularly to those in the Russian speaking world who are seeking to implement simple and organic church principles.
2. To challenge those who are open to changes in their ministry with some foundational core values and principles that have been lost in many of our churches. We use the term simple church as a way to define the heart of these principles, not as a description of a model. For those of us who created and manage the site, we are not promoting a model or strategy, but a mindset and way of thinking.

Some of the principles we most want to emphasize are:

1. 1. A true belief and practice of the headship of Christ and the priesthood of all believers.
   2. An understanding that Jesus said he sends us into the world to be His ambassadors and witnesses. We therefore should have more of a go to the people perspective(incarnational) on evangelism, than a come to us perspective(attractional) perspective. We want to see disciples made and new churches started in the harvest fields.
   3. A focus on making disciples instead of on “how to do church”.
   4. A desire to see the church rid itself of hierarchical leadership, and instead practice servant leadership.
   5. A greater commitment to relational Christianity than church programs.
   6. Churches functioning in a way that helps and encourages the multiplication of new churches.
   7. A desire to see people enjoying a deep relationship with God, rather than “just going to church” or practicing religion.

Most of the articles you will find on the site are chosen because they reflect the above principles. We want to think together- How we can more effectively make Christ the head of our church? What are we doing to truly practice the priesthood of all believers? Are we living as the sent ones of God, involving our lives with unbelievers? Is our church really making disciples? Are we truly helping people grow deeper in their relationship with God?

You and others have asked, “do you think “simple church” is the answer to the churches problems?” NO, of course not. There is no model and no method that is the answer. That is why we are trying to present more principles and heart issues than methods here. The practicals and methods you do find on the site are suggestions as to ways to apply Biblical principles. The comparisons and challenges are simply presented to stir our thinking in fresh ways. The only thing that will really help us and change us is a moment by moment reliance on God and obedience to His word, and a true commitment to make Christ Lord of our lives and the true Head of our churches. (read the article Why House Church is not the Answer? for more of our perspective on this)
Special Note: The simple (or organic) church movement is made of all kinds of people from all kinds of denominations and backgrounds. We have tried to primarily present articles that are written from a positive viewpoint. Some writers(and also bloggers, and other participants of our site), however, present their ideas in a strong contrast to more traditional views of church. We do not want to offend our readers. It would, however, not be appropriate for us to edit these articles, so instead we present them in their entirety so that each reader can get a full understanding of what different people are saying and decide for himself how these principles and thoughts apply to their own situation.

We don’t expect you to agree with every word you read here, and neither do we. However, it is important that we join this global dialogue that is occurring, so that we can discern what God is speaking to us both as individuals and as churches. Read, pray, dialogue, and may God speak to us all about how we can be the disciples and bride He has called us to be

Написать комментарий