Introductions from the Seattle area

Hello.

As of today I see two groups called "Simple Church" in facebook, and one just started called "Simple Church Seattle" in facebook, and this one by the same name here in simplechurch.com. And there's a discussion forum called simplechurchseattle.com. The multiple locations for the Seattle area is overkill at the moment, but some of us here are wanting to simply connect with more of you in the Puget Sound area, and there's people active on different sites, so let's see where people tend to gather most, and what becomes meaningful, and then we can close down the rest.

So....by way of introduction, I’ve been on the journey of seeking to follow Jesus since I was a teenager in the mid-70’s. I feel extremely fortunate to be in a loving relationship with my Father in heaven. But of course, he’s available to everyone, so I don’t consider my opportunity anything unique. The journey with him has taken me through a variety of activities and leadership roles among fellow followers, in college campus ministry, in expanding small group networks, and in nearly all aspects of starting contemporary church businesses, which has been the traditional form of church life for most of us. I thank God for all that he taught me in these ventures, but if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't do it again.

Around 1996, my wife and I became somewhat disillusioned with all the business/institutional aspects of this form of church life, and felt God prompting us to ask him the really hard questions about what he really intended with people being his followers and the concept of church. By around the year 2000, God had led us into relationships with several other families on a similar journey, and we found ourselves seeking together how to “be the church” that follows Jesus, rather than “going to church”. We're still on that journey with God, and plan to be for the rest of our lives, whatever may come or go.

I’m married to a wonderful woman, full of God’s passion, beauty and grace (he knew I needed a lot of help!), and we have two energetic, young daughters. Here in the Pacific Northwest we journey with God together as a family and with many dear friends that we are so fortunate to have in our lives.

I enjoy connecting with others who are on this journey. We know many in the Puget Sound area and beyond, but I have this thought that there are likely many more than we know, even in my own neighborhood, whom God is leading this same way, but we don't know about each other.

If that fits you, I hope you introduce yourself!