Following a conversation with Simon Richards (Manchester Region) last week, I decided to finally put up this post that I have been toying with for a while.
Both of us noticed that there are many good books on simple/organic church today. Many are written from different angles, through the lense of the authors gifting (see 5-Fold Thinking).
TEACHING:
If you want to explore specifically the Biblical Foundation (teaching) of Simple-Church check out stuff by Beresford Job (UK) or Frank Viola: (USA)
Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: The Original Pattern for Church Life and Growth
Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity
PROPHETIC:
If you Want to Understand the Prophetic Dimension of what God is saying to the Churches at this time and generation, check out stuff by Wolfgang Simson:
The House Church Book: Rediscover the Dynamic, Organic, Relational, Viral Community Jesus Started
Houses That Change the World: The Return of the House Churches
PASTORAL:
If you want to hear stories about how ordinary people have started simplechurches read stuff written by Tony and Felicity Dale:
The Rabbit and the Elephant: Why Small Is the New Big for Today’s Church
An Army of Ordinary People: Stories of Real-Life Men and Women Simply Being the Church
EVANGELISTIC:
If you want to see the evangelistic potential in starting organic churches amongst the lost read stuff by Neil Cole:
Search and Rescue: An Urgent Call to Make and Multiply Disciples
Organic Leadership: Leading Naturally Right Where You are
Church 3.0: Upgrades for the Future of the Church (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)
Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)
TRANSITIONING CHURCH:
If you are leading a legacy (traditional, denominational) church and want to transition into simplechurch principles check out stuff written by Gary Goodell and Graham Cooke
Permission Is Granted to Do Church Differently in the 21st Century
TRANSITIONING MISSION:
If you are involved in a mission organization and are interested in exploring simplechurch planting check out stuff Floyd McClung is currently up to!
You See Bones – I See an Army: Changing the Way We Do Church
CHURCH-PLANTING MOVEMENTS:
Interested in seeing a church-planting movement kick started in your city or region?
Read these books:
Church Planting Movements: How God is Redeeming a Lost World
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations
