What is the simplicity in Christ? In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul expresses concern that the believers’ minds might be led astray from the simplicity and purity of their devotion to Christ. The simplicity in Christ, as described by the Greek word haplotēs, denotes a pure, undivided focus on Him, free from distractions and the burdens of worldly concerns or deceitful teachings. The idea behind simplicity is not a resistance of obtaining knowledge, but to not allow anything to distract from a life in pursuit of a genuine and wholehearted commitment to being a disciple of Jesus.
"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." - 2 Cor 11:3
How we meet
In Homes – We gather in homes to foster a family-like closeness, reflecting the early church’s practice of meeting in each other’s homes for worship and fellowship. This intimate setting helps us build deeper relationships and grow together in faith.
Rotating Locations – We rotate the meeting locations among different homes, so any family with a desire to host can practice and grow in hospitality.
Our Gatherings Include:
- Praying – We lift up our hearts and minds to God in prayer, interceding for one another and seeking to align our lives with His desires.
- Singing – We worship through song, expressing our love and gratitude to God.
- Sharing – We share testimonies, experiences, and the Word of God, building one another up in our faith walk with God.
- Breaking Bread – We partake of the Lord’s Supper in the context of a full meal, just as the early church did. During this meal, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate our life and unity in Him. This feast is also a reminder of the Lord’s promise to return and share His supper with us!
- Teaching – We dive deep into the Scriptures, learning and growing in our understanding of God’s Word.
- Giving Thanks – We continually give thanks to God for His blessings, grace, and provision in our lives.
- Public Reading – As Paul instructed Timothy to do, we see the great value in reading the Scriptures together during our gatherings.
Contact Us – If you are interested in joining one of our meetings, please reach out through the Contact Us form.
How we grow
All involved in ministry – Learning from Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 14, we encourage every member of our church to actively participate in ministry. Every member has a unique role to play, contributing to the overall health and growth of the church.
Spiritual Gifts – We encourage the use and development of spiritual gifts within our community. These gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, are meant to serve and build up the church.
Elders That Teach – Our elders, appointed according to biblical guidelines, provide teaching and oversight. Their wisdom and experience guide our community in sound doctrine and practice.
Others Teaching – Others with the gift of teaching are also encouraged to teach, sharing their insights and understanding of Scripture. This diversity in teaching helps to nourish and mature the body.
Teaching by Example – We believe that teaching is not just about words spoken, but also lives being lived out. Our leaders and members strive to model Christ-like behavior in their daily lives so that the younger followers of Jesus can learn by their example.
Accountability – We encourage each member to be involved in a smaller group throughout the week that is intentional about holding each other accountable in love, encouraging spiritual growth, and obedience to Christ.
Reading Scripture – We are committed to knowing the word and encouraging each other in the truth. The whole church is encouraged to following along with a reading plan that we have on the Read page of our website.
Focus on Discipleship – We have a strong focus on discipleship, nurturing each believer to grow in their relationship with Christ and equipping them to disciple others. This ongoing process of spiritual growth and mentorship is central to our mission.
How we walk
Essential Beliefs to Keep Us Unified – We hold to essential doctrines that keep us unified in faith and purpose. These core beliefs form the foundation of our fellowship and guide our teaching and practice. See our “Essential Beliefs” section to learn more.
Walking in Love and Unity – We are committed to walking in love and unity through humility. We avoid being divisive over non-essential matters, focusing instead on what unites us in Christ. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, and we strive to play our part in that prayer by living in harmony and love with one another.
Handling Conflict Biblically – We handle conflict in a clear and biblical way, addressing the situation with love and truth to maintain the peace and unity of our fellowship.
Working Out Our Own Salvation – Learning from Paul’s charge in Philippians 2:12-13, each person is encouraged to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, trusting God to work in us to do those things that please Him.
Humility and Reverence – In Romans 11:34 we read, “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” This verse reminds us to remain humble and reverent before God, acknowledging His infinite wisdom and our limited understanding.
Passion for Obedience – We have a passion to be disciples who obey the commands of Jesus, demonstrating our love for Him through our actions and lifestyle.
How we multiply
Living on Mission Together – We live on mission together, always seeking ways to be salt and light in our world. Our collective goal is to reflect Christ in our actions and words, bringing His love and truth to those around us.
Walking in Wisdom – Guided by Colossians 4:5-6, we strive to walk in wisdom toward those outside the faith. Our speech is to be full of grace and seasoned with salt, ensuring that our interactions are both loving and truthful, looking for opportunities to share the gospel with those we meet.
Through the Roof – We draw inspiration from the story of the man whose friends lowered him through a roof to get him to Jesus (Mark 2:1-12). This story exemplifies the kind of passion and determination we want to have for bringing people to Christ, demonstrating our commitment to sharing the gospel with those in need.
How we give
We keep our financial matters clear and simple. The goal is to honor the following verses as we give as unto the Lord.
Helping Missionaries:
I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. (Romans 15:24)
Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:16-18)
Caring for Others:
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. (1 Timothy 6:17-18)
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. (Galatians 2:10)
Giving with Joy:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Other Questions
Are You a House Church? We are a church that meets in homes, but our identity is not based on where we meet. Our focus is on being a community of believers who follow Jesus together, regardless of the location.
Can I Visit? We are always encouraged to meet new people and spend time together encouraging each other in the Lord. If you would like to visit, use the Contact Us form to send us a message.
If I Visit, Can I Speak During the Share Time or Teaching? Following Paul’s principle of commendation helps us protect the body during our gatherings. We ask that visitors refrain from speaking during the sharing and teaching times until we have had the opportunity to get to know you better. This helps us maintain order and ensures that our meetings are edifying for everyone present.
What Do You Believe? We have a document outlining our Essential Beliefs. We emphasize unity in essential doctrines, humility in non-essentials, and love in everything we do.
