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Gavin Duerson

husband. dad. simple church alliance. inside joke music.

Overseas Trip: Part 1: Kazakhstan

It’s extremely difficult to put into words what I experienced recently on a trip to visit leaders in the church and specifically house churches in Kazakhstan and Italy. In many ways these destinations provided a polar opposite experience. Yet many of my take-a-ways from meeting the believers in each place were the same and may have direct lessons for us here in America. In the next few days, I’m going to share about these experiences. Today is part 1: Kazakhstan.  Tomorrow I’ll share about my time in Italy and then a few posts on my take-a-ways from the experience.  I… Read More »Overseas Trip: Part 1: Kazakhstan

Church Is Simple! (An encouraging letter from a friend)

Karla and I recently were able to host two longtime friends who helped lead a simple church here in Lexington several years ago.  While their jobs have led them out of state, they have remained an important part of our extended family of faith.  I was so encouraged by a follow up email I received from Joy that I asked if she would consider editing it to sharing here on this site!  May it encourage you as well…  We had a wonderful time with Gavin and Karla and their kids on Sunday and are so grateful for the connections God… Read More »Church Is Simple! (An encouraging letter from a friend)

Simple Church Conference / Retreat – October 28-29

Come to Kentucky’s second oldest town this year to connect with and learn alongside simple/house/organic church practitioners from around the region at the 2023 Simple Church Retreat/Conference!  Since 2012, we have sought to host an annual overnight opportunity for Christians asking similar questions to come together for a time of equipping and encouragement—questions like: What is a church really? What are the challenges we would need to overcome in order to be a part of a simple/house church? Am I even allowed to start a house church and if so how does that happen? What are the joys and victories… Read More »Simple Church Conference / Retreat – October 28-29

Considering our “Why?”

Recently I was blessed to be able to spend some time with several simple church leaders from the region.  We discussed our recent experiences in outside-the-box types of ministry and considering our “why?” for staying the course.  Most everyone present has persevered with simple church for a long period of time through the joys and challenges of cutting a new trail. As we shared our motivations for continuing along the simple/house/organic church path and God’s work in it, several themes emerged.  Many voices echoed the values that led folks connected here to start thinking more simply about local church fellowship.  Similarly, there was… Read More »Considering our “Why?”

Rethinking Multiplication

At the beginning of our simple church journey, I was energized by the thought of rapid multiplication of churches. I read many Christian authors who describe the importance of simplifying our understanding of what constitutes a New Testament church so that multiplication can happen easily.  One of my favorite books to this day on simple church is The Rabbit and the Elephant.  This title was taken from the concept that simple things (rabbits) can reproduce easily and more quickly than Elephants. Many have sought out strategies and programs that will finally provide the secret sauce to replicate what God has… Read More »Rethinking Multiplication

Remembering David Griffin

This past week our simple church lost someone special.  David Griffin was our next door neighbor and a faithful pillar in our simple church family.  Loving and being loved by Dave has been one of the biggest blessings of hosting simple church on our street.  Simple/house church creates family and as we grieve the loss of Dave, I realize how true this is. I was honored to facilitate Dave’s Celebration of Life Service this past Saturday.  It was a true joy to hear others tell stories about Dave. His hilarious personality, love for others, and desire to always help people… Read More »Remembering David Griffin

A Spring Update…

Hello friends!   I wanted to just post a quick update of sorts here!  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and spring is off to a great start for you!  On to the updates… House Church For Beginners Breakfast. The Beginner Breakfast reminded us that offering availability to others can form new relationships and offer connection with longtime friends.  While not a large group by any means, I was encouraged by our breakfast. Hosting a gathering like this can be a great way to open the door to simple/house church folks.  Perhaps we could host such a breakfast… Read More »A Spring Update…

Skate Church Hosts Skate Camp For 13th Year

This week, the “skate church” community will partner with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to host skate camp for local skaters for the 13th year!  Skate church has taken on many different forms over the years, as all simple churches tend to eb and flow as people move and life circumstances change.  The annual skate camp serves as an anchor of sorts for skate church and we are excited for what God will again in the lives of the students and adults serving this week. Join us in praying for long lasting kingdom impact on the skate community here across… Read More »Skate Church Hosts Skate Camp For 13th Year

House Church For Beginners Breakfast – April 22

House Church For Beginners Breakfast Saturday, April 22, 9am, First Southern National Bank, Lexington, KY (3060 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40503) We are excited to host a breakfast for anyone interested in learning more about house church.  Over the past 12 years, we have been blessed to help others walk with Jesus and experience simple expressions of The Church.  While not perfect, we are continually encouraged by what we are seeing and we would like to invite you to a special breakfast to learn more! At this breakfast you will: 1. Discover New Testament house church principles. 2. Learn about… Read More »House Church For Beginners Breakfast – April 22

Good Friday Worship and Communion Network Gathering

Friends, We would like to invite all simple and house church friends to come together for a special Good Friday worship and communion gathering at the Lexington Prayer Room on Broadway located at 1218 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504.  Several folks from area simple churches will lead us in a time of worship through song.  If you you have a song, poem, or reading that you would like to share, please come prepared to do so as well! Coffee and light dessert will be provided.  RSVP not required but helpful.  Let us know if you plan to come by emailing… Read More »Good Friday Worship and Communion Network Gathering