A simple church is designed around a straight-forward and strategic process.

The process is straight-forward. It is not confusing; it is easy to grasp. The leaders know it, and the people understand it. The process is intentionally kept simple. It is not lengthened. It does not change every few months. The church sticks to the simple process. Complexity is not welcome. More programs are not added to the process. The church rejects the multitude of new programs and models offered to it.

Since the process is the how, it is also strategic. The process is tied to the purpose or vision of the church. The two are closely knitted. The process is built for execution, to impact people. It is designed to be sequential so that people may move through the process.

The process moves people…. The simple and strategic process promotes movement. The process flows logically. People are attracted to Christ and the church and then are moved to points of attachment. The programs are used as tools to promote this movement. And the movement through the straight-forward and strategic process has an intentional and intended end result…

The process moves people through the stages of spiritual growth. The goal is to partner with God to move people through the stages of spiritual growth. Changed lives are the bottom line, the intended end result. Christ formed in people is the goal.

A simple church understands that people are at different places in their spiritual journey, that spiritual growth is a process. The church is designed to partner with God to move people through stages of spiritual growth.

Sadly, most churches miss this truth. They are not simple. They have not designed a simple process for discipleship. They have not structured their church around the process of spiritual transformation. And they are making little impact. These churches need an extreme makeover. They desperately need a new design for church ministry.

We make these statements with confidence because our research indicates that the simple church strategy is effective. A simple process makes a major difference. The research is convincing.

So here is the expanded definition: A simple church is designed around a straightforward and strategic process that moves people through the stages of spiritual growth. The leadership and the church are clear about the process (clarity) and are committed to executing it. The process flows logically (movement) and is implemented in each area of the church (alignment). The church abandons everything that is not in the process (focus).

Clarity. Movement. Alignment. Focus. All are necessary. The flow is simple, something like this: Clarity>Movement>Alignment>Focus.

As you consider your ministry process, you must consider all four elements. Perhaps your church process needs some minor tweaking and decorating. Perhaps your church does not have a process. And perhaps your church is in need of an extreme makeover.

Regardless of your situation, as you design or redesign your ministry, these four elements should be on the forefront of your mind. Consider them to be essential designing tips.

Simple Church is available through LifeWay and many other bookstores.