Simple Church

I was born in a family of several pastors, starting with my paternal grandfather. Three generations later, we are still a family of believers — and ministers. Church has always been a major part of our family culture. As a child I saw the church in what now seems like a peak in its modern history.

Most believers back then were generally solid in their walk, the message preached was without compromise, and the worship flowed from passionate hearts. There was no advertising, except for a cross on top of the church that flashed the words “Jesus Saves” at night. Persecution — mainly in the form of mocking — was part of our daily lives as we lived visibly separate from the world and its ways. Being a Christian came at a price that we were accustomed to.

The church of my childhood was very different from today's. Every generation must find ways to reach the unsaved and care for the flock effectively. Societies change all the time; changes in virtues, evils, and technology continue to shape in our behaviors. Some respond positively and go along with these changes, but others find it too hard, and prefer to live in the past. Given the fact that we live together with at least three generations in any society, it is clear that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to effective ministry. Add to that the influence of immigration, and you have a more complex task at hand than our grandparents and parents had to deal with.

I often wonder about the first church, and how they would handle the challenges we face today. But they lived at another time with their own unique issues, many about which we have no clue today. The apostle Paul talks about the dangers he faced, giving us a peek into the world he lived in. However, despite the hardship, unfair treatment, various life-threatening dangers, backstabbing, etc., he had a major impact on his world — and that of future generations, including our own.

The church underwent some major changes since its inception on the Day of Pentecost, resulting in many different movements with their own doctrines and methods of today. It seems that certain traditions have become the very reason for existence for some of them, while the message of salvation and discipleship lost their place of importance for them.

It is not the purpose of this article to criticize the church. I realize we need a diversity of methods and applications to reach a population soo diverse in its appetites, cultural perceptions, sensitivities, and challenges as ours. Most people today are just too busy to investigate spiritual messages that come to them; if it doesn't resonate with them right away, they simply ignore it and continue with their lives. Others have been burned by the church and refuse to get involved for reasons of their own, or they backslide because the church failed them in some way. In the midst of it all the number of “nones” — people who have no allegiance to any religious group — is growing faster every day.

“No Religion” does not necessarily mean people who don't believe; it simply means they don’t go to church. This is the group we should be concerned about. The “organized church” does not appeal to them, and, apparently, nothing that the church does can change that. People are either tired of church programs, demands placed on them, policies that make no sense, a lack of time, or a host of other reasons. It is surprising to see how easily some believers leave their church — and church life altogether. As a pastor who led churches on two continents, I have always found that there are more believers outside the church than inside. This is not good for them — or the church at large.

Without criticizing the church in any of its many forms, I want to investigate a growing movement that might be able to catch those that are falling through the cracks: the simple church. I have always believed the church will end the way it started — in the homes of disciples.

The focus of the Simple Church is on the basic calling of the church only. No energy or resources are spent on programs or activities that don’t produce mature disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ. Its overhead expenses are low, the level of accountability and transparency high, and the quality of pastoral care and discipleship beyond comparison.

So much has changed in the church world over the centuries, and the Scriptural definition of the church became so vague that it hardly compares with the church that we read about in the Bible. However, if you are one of the "nones," we need to talk. It is not good to be a homeless Christian.

When His time on earth drew to a close, Jesus began to give instructions to His disciples. They were to do the works that He did, and would have the power to do so once the Holy Spirit came:

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12

What did Jesus do while he walked the earth?

He preached:

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17

He taught:

Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. Luke 4:31-32

He healed, cast out demons, and did good to all:

…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

After His resurrection, and before He went back to the Father, He touched on the topic again:

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.” John 21:15-17

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

We must do the works that Jesus did: heal, set captives free, preach, (inspire) teach, (inform) love Him by feeding the flock, make disciples of all nations, baptize believers, and mentor them to be disciples.

The next few paragraphs may sound harsh, but I wrote them with my hand in my own bosom, as a lifelong member of the church. Let us consider any comments on the basis of Scripture:

• Why is it that so many churches today draw inspiration from the corporate world for their hierarchical structures, their vision- and mission statements? The simple church simply follows the vision given by Jesus. So much goes into corporate image, branding, and other niceties to attract the attention of the “unchurched” — but mostly the “churched.”

We see the first church taking care of the poor among them. A seasoned old minister once told me that the quickest way to bankrupt the church is to give its money to the world. I have seen how public officials know where to go when they need money or volunteers, yet always resist our message because it is too risky for them.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

• I have seen a trend develop over the years for churches to be involved in their communities, being taught and practiced as the gospel itself, yet we do not see it in Scripture. Why did it become necessary? To be accepted by the world, hoping they will join our churches?

Jesus never said that we should enjoy recognition by the world; He actually said we wouldn’t:

Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Luke 6:22

Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:20

Only the truth sets people free, and that is the message that we ought to preach and teach. We do it lovingly, from caring hearts, but while the truth sets free it also hurts, and some people choose to be offended over the freedom that it brings. Often some form of persecution follows, but that is the Christian life.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

Christians do not always have good answers to their questions because they are not properly taught in the deep things of the Word. Some believers of long standing even struggle to give answers to simple questions.

I am advocating for the simple church that focuses on the vision that Jesus gave to the church, and set the rest aside. The world will never like the true church, and we should be concerned when they do. I have seen the underground church where Christians are persecuted, and was amazed by their strength and commitment. I live in a country where the church enjoys support and protection by the government, and weep for our weakness and lack of commitment.

…having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:5

• Comfort has become the disease of the church in the West, but there is nothing comfortable about following Jesus! How many sinners came to surrender to the Lord through community involvement of your church?

The carnal ways of the world found its way into the modern church, and although it shields it against persecution, it removed the very reason why anyone would want to be a part of it. Life as a Christian looks too much like the lives of unbelievers, and to add church involvement to it simply makes no sense.

Before we can call sinners to repentance, the church has some repenting of its own to do. Until that happens, the church will fail in its very purpose. It is time to get back to the basics, and pursue Jesus' vision for the church. The lost are entitled to the voice and love of the true church in order to make informed decisions.

Making Disciples

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

Jesus spoke with people who believed in Him, but, evidently, believing was not all He was looking for. He was looking for disciples.

The word disciple was translated from the original word μαθητής (mathētēs), which means a learner, a pupil, or a student. Many religious leaders, such as the Pharisees, had disciples in those days. Those disciples followed their teachers to learn from them as much as they could: they listened to them, watched them, and emulated them, because they admired them and wanted to become like them.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40

What Jesus had in mind was to train followers to be like Him: to speak like He did, do the works that He did, obeyed the Father as He did, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit as He was:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19

Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John 5:19

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. John 14:10

Abiding in His Word is the only way to become a disciple; that means dwelling in the Word, spending a lot of time in it until it impacts your mind to think like He did. Paul calls that the renewing of the mind in Romans 12:2. His Word is life and Spirit (See John 6:63)

Jesus trained those men, simple as they were, to carry on His work after He went back to the Father. Although those men were perceived to be uneducated and untrained by the religious leaders of the day, they realized that they had been with Jesus. (See Acts 4:13) They became true disciples and did the works that He did!

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12

Before Jesus left for heaven, He gave some last instructions to His disciples — vision if you will — in the verses below:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

This is the vision and mission statement of the church, given by the Head of the church Himself: become disciples and make disciples, over and over again. Imagine how much the church could have done if it followed this simple vision for the 2000 years of its existence! Instead, we introduced many works programs and activities — all good things — yet distractions from our real calling.

Just when the church took its first steps, the apostles were already confronted with distractions. While the church was growing, complaints were brought to them. Their Hellenist were neglected in the daily care:

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:2-4

As urgent as the matter was, they continued to focus on their call, and delegated this work to “men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”

I doesn't matter what your talents, gifts, skills and preferences are, your calling is to make disciples. As you apply your gifts and talents, always make sure that it leads to making disciples in the end.

Now, as we approach the end of the church era, there is a new urgency to return to the simplicity of the original vision of the church. Will we be able to do it? There is an urgency in the air for men and women to become true disciples, and to raise disciples. The world is waiting for them.

The church was labelled an illegal movement when it was just days old — not because of any criminal behavior, but because a lame man was healed in the name of Jesus.

"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." Acts 4:16,17

What happened there was the beginning of a difficult future that saw countless believers persecuted, ostracized, and martyred for no other reason than their faith in the risen Christ. It came as no surprise though, as Jesus said it would happen:

Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:20

This may seem like a long time ago for Christians in the West, but persecution is still a daily experience for many believers in other parts of the world. I have personally seen underground churches that meet in secret, and believers who dream of owning a Bible. Simple home churches, where disciples gather in small groups, do not have praise bands, pews, video projection, or any of the luxuries that we consider necessities in the West; they worship quietly, preach the Word, enjoy Communion together, and take care of one another. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 is their mission statement. And they grow organically — not by church hoppers.

The underground church in China has seen consistent growth for decades now, and it is well known that the church in Iran is the fastest growing Christian movement in the world, despite brutal persecution and long prison sentences for believers. Adherents to the Christian faith pay a heavy price for their faith in a long list of countries where the church is outlawed.

While we are rightly concerned about the plight of the persecuted church, it seems that they have reason to worry about us in the free world. Without realizing it, we are under attack too. The enemy is the same, but his tactics are different, and he seems to be more successful here than in persecuted nations. If the devil cannot get you with something bad, he will get you with something good — and that is a tough battle to win.

Paul wrote about apostasy in the last days, a falling away from the true gospel:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons… 1 Timothy 4:1

It is not my intention to criticize the church — far from it — but we live in extremely serious times, and we must put our hand in our bosom and recognize our shortcomings. The Laodicean church is in full manifestation. The church in the free world has become financially rich, yet spiritually bankrupt. Motivational speeches replace the full gospel message; there is no call to the altar, and repentance is a little-understood ancient word. How do we survive the celebrity pastors, false apostles, prophets, and teachers; entertaining worship, prayerless congregations, and brand name Christianity of the modern era?

Add to that the range of topics declared taboo in church, even though Scripture has much to say about them. Political correctness reduces the gospel to a form of sub-culture that has little (if any) impact on the world. We are in for a painful correction if we plan on entering through the narrow gate.

Thank God, there has always been a remnant that remained faithful through the ages.

There is a remnant today, but it is not found where everybody is looking. It doesn’t attract the masses, but you may find them in homes and small gatherings where discipleship is strong and accountability high. The church started in small groups in the homes of believers, and might very well end there when persecution rises. This is how the church thrives under persecution today. Bad times can become good times, if planned properly. The Holy Spirit is an innovative genius; He has been here since the beginning, He knows the future and how to navigate a safe passage through the most perilous of times.

I have seen, over and over again, that the power of the gospel is in its simplicity, not in beautiful cathedrals, fancy programs, or by seeking the appreciation of the world.

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Simple underground churches follow the pattern of the first church, and see the same results the first Christians saw.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46,47

The gospel has everything the world needs, for it is God’s power unto salvation.

The Simple Church. Let’s do it.