We invite you on a journey. This journey will redefine how we do ministry at Holy Savior. If you are ready to revive, invigorate and grow as a church, then you are ready for Simple Church.

The road map for this journey is Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger. With our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and help from former Holy Savior associate pastor, Pastor Burt Garwood, we are committing to Simple Church at Holy Savior. This led us to the vision: Love God, Love Others, Serve the World. In the days and weeks to come you will learn more about what Simple Church means to Holy Savior and you.

What is Simple Church?

Simple Church is a basic, uncomplicated and fundamental way to spread the gospel of Jesus. Sometimes in an effort to do great ministry, churches become cluttered. So cluttered that people become busy doing church instead of being the church. Simple Church strives to return to God’s process for making disciples.

Simple Church is NOT…

  • a change of doctrine. Our primary teaching resources will always be the Bible and Lutheran doctrine.
  • mirroring culture. We are not doing this to follow a trend. We are doing this to provide a sanctuary for a complicated world.
  • just a practical solution. Spiritual growth is a process. You will hear more about the process in articles to come.
  • EASY. Simple is basic, uncomplicated, and fundamental. Easy is effortless, and this requires effort.

Jesus on Simple

If anyone knows simple, it’s Jesus. Jesus knew how to simplify His message to connect with people. This is how Jesus illustrates Simple:

  • Love God; Love your neighbor – Matthew 22:37-40
    Jesus simplifies 613 commandments down to these two fundamental truths.
  • His yoke is light – Matthew 11:28-30
    Jesus offers to ease our burdens—big or small.
  • Jesus cleared His Father’s House – Mark 11:17
    Jesus adamantly demonstrates His contempt for anyone getting in the way of His people connecting with God.

As this article explains WHY we chose to implement Simple Church, look for future articles to learn about HOW to do Simple Church. It is our goal that you join us in this journey of simplifying the process of making disciples for Jesus.

In His service,
The Transition Team: Craig Dudycha, Jim Griess, Wade Houchin, Beth Kohl, Bob Schmieding, and Stephanie Mackeprang