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Each of the Simple Churches in our network will probably
have a slightly unique ‘flavor’ due to the people who
belong, but we do seek to follow certain principles
with regard to the meetings. First thing to say though,
would be that these are intended to reflect a community,
a network of relationships and so they are meant to
be more than a meeting.
Each Simple Church will normally decide for themselves
when they wish to meet (usually each week). A meeting
will usually have one or more of the following components;
- Food and a time to catch up with what is happening
in each other’s lives
- A time to bless/minister to the Lord in song, prayer,
listening, etc.
- Testimony
- Prayer – intercessory and ministry to one another
through the laying on of hands
- Interactive teaching, learning and exercising spiritual
gifts
Each week we seek to be sensitive to what the Spirit
is saying and respond to the needs that become known.
Sometimes that may be needs outside of the group and
the time may be more about practical help of some kind.
Other weeks may be more social – including times to
invite visitors along so they can get to know people
in the group. Sometimes there may be a special burden
to pray for an extended time together.
Children play a full part in the life of our Simple
Churches and it is really up to the group to determine
how best they can be involved. An important principle
to us is that parents have the primary God-given responsibility
for discipling their children and teaching them the
ways of the Lord. But the community of faith is there
to help support and encourage them in that most important
task.
Primarily we are learning how to operate as a body,
led by the Spirit, seeking the manifestation f the Spirit
through the gifts he gives, with each person playing
an important part. They are not to be dominated by any
one person, nor are they meant to be like a traditional
bible study group.
The goal of the group (which operates more like a family),
is growth and multiplication. They are not static but
are meant to be a welcoming community where people can
come along and share in the life of the community and
hopefully get connected through a Life Transformation
Partnership.
Within the Simple Churches, we encourage a team model
of leadership whereby the more senior members of the
group would occasionally meet together for prayer and
reflection about the direction and emphasis of the group,
and to discuss any particular needs that have become
known.
For a list of our current Simple Churches and their
general location and meeting time, please click here.
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Every month, on the fourth Sunday of the month (usually)
at 5:30pm, we invite all the small groups to come together
for a time of celebration. It is also an opportunity to
invite other believers, and Simple Churches to join with
us, that we might be mutually encouraged.
The format and content of this time together includes
the following;
- A shared meal with communion (bread and wine)
- Praise and thanksgiving in song and word
- Shared story/testimony of how God is working
- Prayer for any new ministry initiatives or simple
churches being started
- Teaching and encouragement, usually from Mike but
may be from visiting ministers also
This gathering is held in the Family Room of Hope Chapel
and begins at 5:30pm. For further details and directions,
click here.
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