Questions about Simple Church
What is organic church?
The English New Testament translates the Greek word "Ekklesia" to church, but it actually means a gathering or fellowship. Church is Christians wherever and however they gather. It's got nothing to do with the size, the shape or the location of the building or gathering.
A simple church is a gathering that gathers outside of the "normal" church building. And operates outside of the normal "church" paradigm and structure. They simply gather anywhere and everywhere. An organic church is a simple church that is formed by relationships. Those relationships maybe based on geographical location, but they also maybe based on a common interest. It's a simple gathering that focuses on encouraging each other in their unique journey of faith. It is not based on man-made hierarchy, and is relational rather than program-based.
The English New Testament translates the Greek word "Ekklesia" to church, but it actually means a gathering or fellowship. Church is Christians wherever and however they gather. It's got nothing to do with the size, the shape or the location of the building or gathering.
A simple church is a gathering that gathers outside of the "normal" church building. And operates outside of the normal "church" paradigm and structure. They simply gather anywhere and everywhere. An organic church is a simple church that is formed by relationships. Those relationships maybe based on geographical location, but they also maybe based on a common interest. It's a simple gathering that focuses on encouraging each other in their unique journey of faith. It is not based on man-made hierarchy, and is relational rather than program-based.
Simple church, house church, home church, organic church - What's the difference?
Simple church, house church, home church, organic church are terms that are often used interchangeably, because they are all a form of the relational stye of church that is displayed throughout the New Testament.
Simple church, house church, home church, organic church are terms that are often used interchangeably, because they are all a form of the relational stye of church that is displayed throughout the New Testament.
Isn't it the same as a cell group or connect group?
A simple church is a ‘stand-alone’ group, that is independent of control of any hierarchical structure. Some of them may relate with a network but this is always out of relationship and never a formal legal connection.
Many churches run home groups, cell groups or connect groups, these may meet under a variety of names. They are always attached to an institutionalized traditional church, however as much as it seeks to be outwardly focused, inevitably it must feed into the central church system. They are controlled and led by the parish/local church and its leadership.
Most simple churches, organic churches are not incorporated or registered with a local secular government body, whereas most cell groups are part of a program of an established church that is often incorporated and have legal identity with their local government.
A simple church is a ‘stand-alone’ group, that is independent of control of any hierarchical structure. Some of them may relate with a network but this is always out of relationship and never a formal legal connection.
Many churches run home groups, cell groups or connect groups, these may meet under a variety of names. They are always attached to an institutionalized traditional church, however as much as it seeks to be outwardly focused, inevitably it must feed into the central church system. They are controlled and led by the parish/local church and its leadership.
Most simple churches, organic churches are not incorporated or registered with a local secular government body, whereas most cell groups are part of a program of an established church that is often incorporated and have legal identity with their local government.
Aren’t house churches full of hurt, independent people?
It is interesting that some people give this reputation to simple churches when in most traditional churches you will find many people that have been hurt by their previous church or denomination, it is the most common reason that people move from one church to another.
Years ago many house churches came about due to splits in the traditional church, dominating leadership, spiritual abuse situations or traditional churches that have become involved in some non-Christian practices or theology. These home churches had to go through a time of ‘wound licking’ and to come to a place of healing and forgiveness. Some of these eventually returned to traditional church. However, many went on to see home church as a viable option in which they grew in faith and practice. These days, however, many people are involved in a simple church out of a conviction that this is the way church was meant to be.
Of course, home churches do attract people who need and look for support. Home church can be a place of hope and refuge. The home church must be wary about the possibility of becoming swamped with the needs and hurts of people. People need to be given time to offload and then to be on a journey of healing and restoration. It is important to care for those that are wounded or hurt but much of that care needs to happen away from the main group meeting.
It is interesting that some people give this reputation to simple churches when in most traditional churches you will find many people that have been hurt by their previous church or denomination, it is the most common reason that people move from one church to another.
Years ago many house churches came about due to splits in the traditional church, dominating leadership, spiritual abuse situations or traditional churches that have become involved in some non-Christian practices or theology. These home churches had to go through a time of ‘wound licking’ and to come to a place of healing and forgiveness. Some of these eventually returned to traditional church. However, many went on to see home church as a viable option in which they grew in faith and practice. These days, however, many people are involved in a simple church out of a conviction that this is the way church was meant to be.
Of course, home churches do attract people who need and look for support. Home church can be a place of hope and refuge. The home church must be wary about the possibility of becoming swamped with the needs and hurts of people. People need to be given time to offload and then to be on a journey of healing and restoration. It is important to care for those that are wounded or hurt but much of that care needs to happen away from the main group meeting.
What about people who just want to be independent and controlling ?
People who just want to be independent or controlling usually don’t last too long in a simple church based on a relationship group setting. Organic relationship is very difficult for people that always want to control.
People who just want to be independent or controlling usually don’t last too long in a simple church based on a relationship group setting. Organic relationship is very difficult for people that always want to control.
What do organic churches believe?
People that gather organically need to move from a ‘church’ paradigm to that of THE KINGDOM OF GOD. They get back to what Jesus actually lived and taught. They look to the earliest Christians as examples of ways to live the Kingdom life 24/7.
Kingdom living is ‘whole of life’, not just an hour on Sunday.
They study Scripture together, listening to God and to one another. They don’t teach a body of doctrine that everyone must adhere to, but trust the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth.
Each Christian is responsible for their own spiritual growth.
People that gather organically need to move from a ‘church’ paradigm to that of THE KINGDOM OF GOD. They get back to what Jesus actually lived and taught. They look to the earliest Christians as examples of ways to live the Kingdom life 24/7.
Kingdom living is ‘whole of life’, not just an hour on Sunday.
They study Scripture together, listening to God and to one another. They don’t teach a body of doctrine that everyone must adhere to, but trust the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth.
Each Christian is responsible for their own spiritual growth.
Aren't there risk that some teachings maybe non-biblical?
There is always a risk of an independent person starting some form of gathering to present non-biblical teachings as truth. But that risk is there with any movement, even institutionalized churches and denominations have had similar errors.
The Bible warns us to watch out for false teachers and prophets, so this has been an ongoing problem since the New Testament and it will continue until Christs return.
We believe that because of how simple churches run it is easier to address these issues then in an institutionalized church, because people in a simple church setting have a chance to share an alternative view.
There is always a risk of an independent person starting some form of gathering to present non-biblical teachings as truth. But that risk is there with any movement, even institutionalized churches and denominations have had similar errors.
The Bible warns us to watch out for false teachers and prophets, so this has been an ongoing problem since the New Testament and it will continue until Christs return.
We believe that because of how simple churches run it is easier to address these issues then in an institutionalized church, because people in a simple church setting have a chance to share an alternative view.
What style of service is a simple church?
This is a common question. Simple churches are very organic and each group will develop its own style.
Is it Pentecostal or Spirit-filled?
Does is sing hymns or modern music? Does it sing at all?
Does it have a child focus?
The answers to all the above questions is that each simple church will grow and develop its own style. This is healthy and needed.
This is a common question. Simple churches are very organic and each group will develop its own style.
Is it Pentecostal or Spirit-filled?
Does is sing hymns or modern music? Does it sing at all?
Does it have a child focus?
The answers to all the above questions is that each simple church will grow and develop its own style. This is healthy and needed.
How do I start an organic church?
You don't, you can't.
It is organic, it is like a living organism.
Don't plan on starting a church, just plan on building relationships, authentic relationships
We would love to help you, coach you, mentor you and resource you, where we can. So reach out to us if you want.
You don't, you can't.
It is organic, it is like a living organism.
Don't plan on starting a church, just plan on building relationships, authentic relationships
We would love to help you, coach you, mentor you and resource you, where we can. So reach out to us if you want.
What about children and youth?
While many traditional churches have separate programs for children and youth, this format is nowhere to be found in the Bible. However it is good for children and youth to socially gather together.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 19:14 to "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Most simple churches will incorporate and encourage any children and youth to be involved in their meeting. It is important that we do not hinder them but allow them to ask questions and be involved.
Remember simple churches are more like a family structure and just as children are part of a family so to they have an identity in a simple church.
A family is a God ordained relationship unit and provides healthy growth for any child.
However all children are different and every simple church is unique. Most gatherings would not set up a separate children's programs such as a "children's church" style program, but some may.
Most gatherings would encourage children to participate in every aspect of the church using their God given gifts to actively participate in the meeting.
Simple churches encourage every member participation.
Throughout history there are many people who have grown up in a home church and often children, and young people who belong to a home church, mature in their faith early.
Children tend to grow amazingly in spiritual maturity in a home church situation, normally quicker than what they would in a traditional churches children program.
What about socializing with people of their own age? A simple church setting can often provide socializing in a more relaxed social setting, over a meal or playing afterwards. However sometimes a home church may not have children of a similar age (similar to if a traditional church have only a few children or not enough of a similar age), when this is the case socializing can still be arranged by either; organizing an activity or outing with another home church; or encouraging young people to attend a youth group or social group in their community.
Everyone wants to keep our children safe, and that is why there are child protection requirements, enforced by governments. These policies can differ in every state and country, but most of them only apply to official events where children are no longer supervised by their parent or caregiver. In a family setting (like simple church) it is normal for the parent/caregiver to be the one that is supervising their own children. However we also strongly recommend that any concerns regarding neglect or abuse of any children, be reported to the appropriate governmental department.
While many traditional churches have separate programs for children and youth, this format is nowhere to be found in the Bible. However it is good for children and youth to socially gather together.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 19:14 to "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Most simple churches will incorporate and encourage any children and youth to be involved in their meeting. It is important that we do not hinder them but allow them to ask questions and be involved.
Remember simple churches are more like a family structure and just as children are part of a family so to they have an identity in a simple church.
A family is a God ordained relationship unit and provides healthy growth for any child.
However all children are different and every simple church is unique. Most gatherings would not set up a separate children's programs such as a "children's church" style program, but some may.
Most gatherings would encourage children to participate in every aspect of the church using their God given gifts to actively participate in the meeting.
Simple churches encourage every member participation.
Throughout history there are many people who have grown up in a home church and often children, and young people who belong to a home church, mature in their faith early.
Children tend to grow amazingly in spiritual maturity in a home church situation, normally quicker than what they would in a traditional churches children program.
What about socializing with people of their own age? A simple church setting can often provide socializing in a more relaxed social setting, over a meal or playing afterwards. However sometimes a home church may not have children of a similar age (similar to if a traditional church have only a few children or not enough of a similar age), when this is the case socializing can still be arranged by either; organizing an activity or outing with another home church; or encouraging young people to attend a youth group or social group in their community.
Everyone wants to keep our children safe, and that is why there are child protection requirements, enforced by governments. These policies can differ in every state and country, but most of them only apply to official events where children are no longer supervised by their parent or caregiver. In a family setting (like simple church) it is normal for the parent/caregiver to be the one that is supervising their own children. However we also strongly recommend that any concerns regarding neglect or abuse of any children, be reported to the appropriate governmental department.
Should a house church be under a covering?
People will tell you this, meaning that you should be under an organisation, an apostle, or a leader, in order that you don't go off the track! We believe Jesus Christ is the covering for His church and no other is needed! However, it is healthy for house churches to network on a relationship basis to encourage and to inspire one another.
A good relationship with other home churches or a network will encourage you and assist you in being ethical, and accountable.
People will tell you this, meaning that you should be under an organisation, an apostle, or a leader, in order that you don't go off the track! We believe Jesus Christ is the covering for His church and no other is needed! However, it is healthy for house churches to network on a relationship basis to encourage and to inspire one another.
A good relationship with other home churches or a network will encourage you and assist you in being ethical, and accountable.
Wont a small group go off track?
As an organic churches meet on the gather on a relationship basis with one another and the Lord; and not around a body of doctrine or a teacher or ‘teaching’, they are usually healthy and balanced.
If the worst happens and a group does get bogged down in some side track, then at least they aren’t taking hundreds of people with them!
However it is more likely that a wrong teaching will come from a larger structured groups (such as our current established church paradigm) where there is no avenue for people to express an alternative view, and for Christians who are seeking the truth to study it over God’s word.
As an organic churches meet on the gather on a relationship basis with one another and the Lord; and not around a body of doctrine or a teacher or ‘teaching’, they are usually healthy and balanced.
If the worst happens and a group does get bogged down in some side track, then at least they aren’t taking hundreds of people with them!
However it is more likely that a wrong teaching will come from a larger structured groups (such as our current established church paradigm) where there is no avenue for people to express an alternative view, and for Christians who are seeking the truth to study it over God’s word.
What about leadership in organic church?
Jesus said He would build His church. He is the leader of any church gathering. All other leadership comes under His.
While we understand that He gives some with leadership abilities in certain areas, it is important to recognize that we all operate in our gifted areas.
In an organic church you will find that peoples giftings become apparent and therefore organic leadership will form. There will be some that have giftings that will lead but their attitude should always be one like Jesus, being that they are here to serve. Jesus’s example in John 13:5 is followed by his injunction that we serve each other (wash one another's feet).
Different people in the group lead in different ways and according to their gifts. Someone may have a particular gift such as music and someone else may be able to discern what is needed at a particular time in the group or have a special calling such as hospitality. Someone may have had bible college training and be equipped to assist the group to understand background facts as the group shares in bible study. There may be people in the group who have a pastoral, caring role. All these do not mean that any one of them is a greater leader, but rather provide leadership in different ways and different times according to the needs of the group under the Lord’s headship. It is the body of Christ working together as one body. Luke 22:24-30. Philippians 2:5-11.
Jesus said He would build His church. He is the leader of any church gathering. All other leadership comes under His.
While we understand that He gives some with leadership abilities in certain areas, it is important to recognize that we all operate in our gifted areas.
In an organic church you will find that peoples giftings become apparent and therefore organic leadership will form. There will be some that have giftings that will lead but their attitude should always be one like Jesus, being that they are here to serve. Jesus’s example in John 13:5 is followed by his injunction that we serve each other (wash one another's feet).
Different people in the group lead in different ways and according to their gifts. Someone may have a particular gift such as music and someone else may be able to discern what is needed at a particular time in the group or have a special calling such as hospitality. Someone may have had bible college training and be equipped to assist the group to understand background facts as the group shares in bible study. There may be people in the group who have a pastoral, caring role. All these do not mean that any one of them is a greater leader, but rather provide leadership in different ways and different times according to the needs of the group under the Lord’s headship. It is the body of Christ working together as one body. Luke 22:24-30. Philippians 2:5-11.
What about worship in an organic church?
Traditional church often see worship as singing songs, but the bible shows that worship is more than singing , it's a lifestyle. Home churches may or may not sing together, but they see worship more broadly.
They see that all their life 24/7 is lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. Within this they will work, play, sing, confess, be forgiven and forgive, travel, etc. And all of this is brought into the life of the home church in some way or another and all is regarded as giving God His ‘worth-ship’ as we seek to walk in a listening and obedient relationship with Him.
Most would see that true worship must come from the reality of what God is doing or has done and spontaneity is the usual. That doesn’t mean that home churches wouldn’t sing in worship. Songs and music is a great way to meditate and focus upon God, but songs by themselves are not worship, it comes back to a heart attitude.
To have music playing for people to sing to at the start of a meeting and calling it ‘worship’ because it is assumed that God requires this, is not the way most organic churches operate.
Traditional church often see worship as singing songs, but the bible shows that worship is more than singing , it's a lifestyle. Home churches may or may not sing together, but they see worship more broadly.
They see that all their life 24/7 is lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. Within this they will work, play, sing, confess, be forgiven and forgive, travel, etc. And all of this is brought into the life of the home church in some way or another and all is regarded as giving God His ‘worth-ship’ as we seek to walk in a listening and obedient relationship with Him.
Most would see that true worship must come from the reality of what God is doing or has done and spontaneity is the usual. That doesn’t mean that home churches wouldn’t sing in worship. Songs and music is a great way to meditate and focus upon God, but songs by themselves are not worship, it comes back to a heart attitude.
To have music playing for people to sing to at the start of a meeting and calling it ‘worship’ because it is assumed that God requires this, is not the way most organic churches operate.
What do organic churches do about offerings, tithing and giving?
Because organic churches do not have many of the overheads of traditional churches, i.e. buildings, staff, elaborate Sunday production equipment etc., many have returned to New Testament priorities and ways of giving. For many this means going beyond tithing to a freer and more Spirit led giving. Giving secretly, generously and without compulsion as is instructed throughout the New Testament.
Most organic churches do not have a bank account and therefore many of them direct any finances received to things like: a common cash kitty to cover some basic expenses; a need for an individual; a charity, network or other group. This could be directed to a different place each meeting or month.
It is a real opportunity to give how God instructs, directs and leads. 2Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 6:1-4, 1John 3:17, Luke12:33
Because organic churches do not have many of the overheads of traditional churches, i.e. buildings, staff, elaborate Sunday production equipment etc., many have returned to New Testament priorities and ways of giving. For many this means going beyond tithing to a freer and more Spirit led giving. Giving secretly, generously and without compulsion as is instructed throughout the New Testament.
Most organic churches do not have a bank account and therefore many of them direct any finances received to things like: a common cash kitty to cover some basic expenses; a need for an individual; a charity, network or other group. This could be directed to a different place each meeting or month.
It is a real opportunity to give how God instructs, directs and leads. 2Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 6:1-4, 1John 3:17, Luke12:33
What do we do when the group gets too big?
House churches are designed to be simple and intimate. Intimacy will suffer if the group becomes to large. This is counter-culture to the western world as we assume the bigger the more successful. Yet the simple church movement sees that multiplication has a greater impact than a mass gathering, and therefore the goal is similar to that outlined in the bible, to multiply smaller groups rather than to establish a larger one.
Often the size of a group depends on the number of children involved. A group growing beyond 15 adults is becoming too large. Relationships are less likely to allow for trust and loyalty to develop, sharing may only involve the more vocal members and be more shallow, groups will emerge within groups, and then some will slide out of the group altogether.
A group this size is ready to expand and multiply. It's not seen as a "split" but rather an expansion of the kingdom and should be celebrated.
It can often be helpful for groups that have multiplied to come together for informal gatherings and also occasional celebrations.
House churches are designed to be simple and intimate. Intimacy will suffer if the group becomes to large. This is counter-culture to the western world as we assume the bigger the more successful. Yet the simple church movement sees that multiplication has a greater impact than a mass gathering, and therefore the goal is similar to that outlined in the bible, to multiply smaller groups rather than to establish a larger one.
Often the size of a group depends on the number of children involved. A group growing beyond 15 adults is becoming too large. Relationships are less likely to allow for trust and loyalty to develop, sharing may only involve the more vocal members and be more shallow, groups will emerge within groups, and then some will slide out of the group altogether.
A group this size is ready to expand and multiply. It's not seen as a "split" but rather an expansion of the kingdom and should be celebrated.
It can often be helpful for groups that have multiplied to come together for informal gatherings and also occasional celebrations.
What about legal matters?
Like any family, organic gatherings are not a legally recognized entity, and therefore do not have the same legal requirements as a business or incorporated association.
Like any family, organic gatherings are not a legally recognized entity, and therefore do not have the same legal requirements as a business or incorporated association.
What about public liability insurance?
Inviting mates around for a barbecue, or friends around for a meal, does not require you to have public liability insurance. The informal nature of an organic gathering (that does not have a legal entity overseeing it) means it does not need public liability insurance.
Inviting mates around for a barbecue, or friends around for a meal, does not require you to have public liability insurance. The informal nature of an organic gathering (that does not have a legal entity overseeing it) means it does not need public liability insurance.