Less is more

In Deliberate Simplicity, author Dave Browning discusses the less is more theory. He says that it applies to everything they do at their church, Christ the King Community Church. They focus solely on three things,

worship
small groups
outreach.

That's it!
He claims that churches are trying to be all things to all people. And in doing so churches struggle to do even a few ministries well. This is because the people on staff are stretched too thin, often working in ministries that they were not hired to work in, and because they are in charge of multiple ministries they find themselves working in areas where they simply are not talented in. This of course leads to burnout. Dave brings the discussion full circle by saying the church should focus on a few things they can do well, focusing on effectiveness rather than business.

I agree with most everything Dave writes about so far in his book. There are only a couple areas that I struggle with. Let me know what you think of them.

1. He suggests that church doctrine be minimal. Keep major things major and minor things minor. My question is, who decides what is major and what is minor? And how does one come to that conclusion? I think doctrine is important. My fear with a simple doctrine is that major things in scripture and slip and become minor.

2. He also explains that when people commit to God and to a church that it should be simple and fit conveniently in their life. I agree that church should not be over bearing. I have been part of churches that required so much of you it consumed your life and other ares of life, friends, family, hobbies, free-time, and vocation suffered. I think there is a fine balance between church being over complicated and over bearing and not requiring any sacrifice at all. Following Jesus has never conveniently fit into my life plan. There is sacrifice involved in living the Christian life. Church should be part of that. It should not be over whelming though. Practically I believe this looks different for every follower.

What do you think? What are the pros and cons of a deliberately simple church? Where does Desert Springs Church fit into all of this? How can we as a church improve?