Some things are just made to go together—like a cup and saucer. One holds the drink; the other supports it. That’s how simple church and Anabaptist can work. They’re not the same thing, but they fit together so well that separating them feels unnatural.
Relationships Over Religion
At the heart of Anabaptist theology is the belief that following Jesus is personal, relational, and lived out in everyday life. Faith isn’t something we simply observe on Sunday—it’s something we practice together in community. That’s exactly what simple church is all about.
Simple churches are small, often meeting in homes or community spaces. There’s no stage, no hierarchy, no performance. Instead, people gather around Christ, just as the early believers did.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
— Acts 2:42, ESV
This mirrors Anabaptist convictions that discipleship, shared life, and obedience to Jesus are central—not buildings or formal systems.
Jesus Walked in Simplicity
Jesus didn’t establish a religious institution. He walked, talked, ate, and shared life with His disciples. He didn’t just teach them in public—He lived among them in private. That model fits naturally into the rhythm of a simple church.
Anabaptists have long emphasized the way of Jesus—not just believing in Him but actually doing what He says, in every part of life. That’s hard to do in large, anonymous church settings. But in a small circle, it becomes a shared journey.
Mutual Support and Shared Responsibility
The saucer doesn’t just sit under the cup for looks—it keeps things steady. Likewise, Anabaptist theology promotes and supports the simple church life by reminding us that every believer has a role. There’s no clergy-laity divide. Everyone is called to contribute, love, serve, and even lead when needed.
Simple church encourages this shared responsibility. People pray for each other, teach each other, and hold each other accountable. It’s church as a family, not a show.
Room to Grow and Multiply
One of the overlooked blessings of simple church is how easily it multiplies. Just like the early church grew from house to house, so simple churches today can start wherever people gather to follow Jesus.
Anabaptist history is filled with stories of small, scattered groups of believers who remained faithful even under persecution. They didn’t need buildings or budgets. They simply needed Christ and each other.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
— Matthew 18:20, ESV
Final Thought
Simple church and Anabaptist theology go together like a cup and saucer—the practice and the principle, the community and the conviction. You don’t need to be flashy to be faithful. You don’t need to be big to be biblical. And you certainly don’t need to fit into modern church trends to follow Jesus well.
Sometimes, simple really is better—not because it’s easier, but because it’s closer to the way of Christ.
Have you tasted the blessing of simple church life? Share your experience or join us in rediscovering the beauty of being the church—together.
Please contact us if you are interested.
