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Simple
Church
Concept
Within Clark County Detention Center
What
is a Simple Church:
There are many definitions for Simple Church. One of the best
definitions comes from
Dawn
Ministries of North America:
By
'Simple Church' we mean:
-
A
way of being and doing church that is so simple that any believer
would respond by saying, "I can do that!"
-
The
kind of church that is described in the New Testament, not
constrained by structure but by the needs of the extended family (
oikos
),
and a desire to extend the kingdom.
-
A
church that listens to God, follows His leading and obeys His
commands.
-
Spiritual
parents raising spiritual sons and daughters to establish their own
families (
oikos
).
Key
Simple
Church Characteristics and how they might relate to those who are
incarcerated:
Simplicity.
A simple Church experience may exist
with as few as two people and as many as 20 at
any given service, depending on whether it is a medium-security or
maximum-security module.
Intimacy
with God and one another.
Intimacy
with God is not only foundational, but joyfully anticipated. In the
solitude of confinement, where two or more are gathered and the Word
of God is shared, the intimacy that exists is a Faith Building
experience for everyone.
Community.
While inmates are waiting for a hearing, trial or sentencing there
can still be a sense of Community. At certain times of the day,
inmates may have free time together. During those times there is a
growing number of inmates desiring and permitted to have small Bible
Studies that will include praise reports and inspiring revelation
resulting from their own in depth study of the Word. For instance
there’s an encouraging example in a maximum-security Women’s
module that will have as many as 10 to 12 in their group discussions,
reviewing what they believe God is revealing to them from their
individual research of His Word.
Family.
“Simple-Church”
is part of the great family of God; healthy families make for a
healthy church. There
are protective-custody modules where Simple Church services exist for
one hour each week with individuals who are only allowed out together
because of the nature of their charges. It has taken on an unusual
family dynamic because of the commonality of their serious charges
and ability to share openly with one another regarding the
consequences of their crisis and its relation to their family members
on the outside. It is crucial that understanding family members, of
those incarcerated, take advantage of any opportunity to write or
visit with the loved one whose life has dramatically changed while
incarcerated.
24/7
Christian walk.
Most
people are in Simple Churches because of a sincere desire to be
devoted followers of Jesus all the time, everywhere.
No
one has rejected the thoughts of Simple Church, but on the contrary
they have embraced the concept and many look forward to the next
service.
Because of the primary focus of
security and safety
there
are numerous modules that have no assigned church services or
routinely scheduled Bible Studies. These areas of concern are
crucial to implement the Simple Church idea so that those that are
reached through the Word may understand what it means to Walk in the
Spirit regardless of their circumstances.
Spontaneity.
The
Simple Church schedule fluctuates regularly because of other
priorities of the Detention System. There are various modules that
include 24-hour monitoring within individual cells. Those inmates are
observed because of their suicidal tendencies. There are psychiatric
modules where inmates are prescribed medication and cared for by the
medical staff and their Doctors. Even in these areas of CCDC there
are times God opens the doors to share the Word with individuals and
groups as well. On numerous occasions there are opportunities to work
in conjunction with the medical team.
Supernatural
lifestyle. We
have found Simple Church participants to be remarkably open to the
supernatural and keenly aware of the need to live natural
supernatural lives in today's troubled and broken world.
These
Simple Church congregations are troubled, addicted, poor, confused,
parentless, distraught and broken children of God and continually
look for Spiritual breakthrough in their existing conditions.
The realities of God’s miracles are easily recognized in this
environment.
Missional
praying (e.g.
praying the Luke 10:2b prayer for more workers for the harvest.)
Many
participants within the Simple Churches have implemented their own
Bible studies. Some
are able to gather together in small groups of 4 to 12, and we are
permitted to supply them with Bible study curriculum.
CCDC
is a mission field within the mission field of Las Vegas. During
this time together the Holy Spirit leads them into the Word and
Worship, fellowship, prayer, praise, and confession. Lives are
transformed daily during these unique moments spent with the Savior.
Prayers are consistently going up before the throne of God for all
who are incarcerated. At CCDC that could be as many as 3500 in any
one day.
Participation
for everyone.
Everyone
has something to contribute.
One
of the most powerful and unique aspects of the Simple Church in CCDC
is the opportunity for everyone to share and proclaim the miracles of
God, in what is probably one of the most intense battlefields in Las
Vegas. This
is most evident with the larger groups when the interaction begins
instantly upon the realization of the exciting presence of the Holy
Spirit. There is a transparency that occurs in the Simple Churches
within CCDC that could well serve as an example to the local Church
congregations, in an enlightening manner. Transparency is key as
everyone is encouraged to participate, resulting in the growth and
maturity of the Church.
Listening
to Jesus; Doing
what He says, and encouraging others to do the same.
It
is deeply moving to hear inmates share the blessings of obedience.
The Simple Church Concept at CCDC is the most integrated form of
Church. Regardless of race, color, creed, gang affiliations and
tremendous strongholds of prejudice, they are now Brothers and
Sisters in Christ who encourage one another, spurring one another on
towards love and good deeds.
We
like to say we are all the same color: CLEANSED.
Leadership
by example .
Our
prayer is always first and foremost to be a Spirit-filled and
Spirit-led believer.
Our fervent desire is to do the Will of God and to be as Christ-like
as possible while doing the work and shining the Light of His Truth
in the darkest places. Through the prayers of believers and the
support we have received for this ministry, we have watched the Lord
raise up leaders who in turn have been able, with our guidance and
supervision, to begin their own "Simple Church" within
their respective modules. There are at least 10 Simple Church
Services in addition to the 8 to 10 services that I oversee, as the
Associate Chaplain, each week. Once sentenced, inmates are relocated
and we are discovering from different prisons that they are joining
others In Christ to encourage one another within the framework of the
Simple Church! The Spirit of God cannot be contained within prison
walls! They have truly
discovered the Truth and The Truth has truly made them Free!
Discovery
learning and modeling as the preferred means of teaching and
training.
Our Chaplains Office at CCDC distributes, on average, 400 Bibles per
month into the hands of those who are looking to change their ways
and seek God. Along with the Word, we also distribute inspiring
literature by popular authors familiar with prison ministry, as well
as suitable curriculum. Discovery, learning and modeling are
unlimited in this environment. Combined with the knowledge of the
presence of our God and Creator, by way of the Blood of Jesus Christ
our Savior, and through the anointing of His Holy Spirit, we continue
to have our victories in the midst of the battles; in our moment by
moment, Simple Church by Simple Church, experiences.
We
are raising funds for this ministry through our new website to help
not just the inmates (brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus), but also
their families and those times when they are released from their
incarceration.
In
the meantime they are being set Free deep within their own souls, and
God is working in them, and also in us, with His power, strength, and
authority. Those that have come to know Jesus are leading others to
Him. The
harvest is plentiful and the workers are forever increasing in His
Church at CCDC. All
for His glory!
In
Jesus name! Amen!
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