Embracing Simple, Authentic Church Life: Insights from Lori Jennings

Welcome to a fresh episode of "New People, New Ways," a podcast where we explore innovative ways of being church. We're excited to share fresh insights and inspiring stories that help us reimagine how we engage with faith and community. Enjoy this written summary of today's conversation, and for the complete experience, don't miss the full episode available via the video or podcast links within this blog post.

Today, we had the pleasure of talking with Lori Jennings, the Vice President of American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware and a passionate leader at Grace Crossing Community Church. Lori’s approach to church life is refreshingly simple, deeply relational, and profoundly impactful.

Meet Lori Jennings

Lori Jennings describes herself as someone who often feels unqualified but continuously finds herself stepping into roles that God calls her to. She is not only a leader in her church community in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, but also serves as a missionary in Uganda, combating the prosperity gospel and teaching children about the living God. Her life is a testament to following God’s call, no matter how unprepared one might feel.

The Heart of Home Church

Lori’s fresh expression of church meets in her home, a hybrid of home church and dinner church. This community gathers to share meals and study the Bible in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Lori emphasizes the simplicity of this approach: “The hardest thing is making sure that my house is somewhat presentable and there's only one inch of dust instead of ten.” The essence of home church is family—people come as they are, feel comfortable, and engage in deep, meaningful conversations about faith.

Building Community Through Shared Meals

One of the most compelling aspects of Lori’s ministry is how it fosters genuine community. She describes a recent shift where everyone participates in bringing and preparing meals. This not only distributes the workload but also strengthens the sense of family. It’s about inviting people to be part of something bigger, where they feel valued and needed.

Discipleship and Growth

Lori’s home church provides a safe space for individuals, including teenagers, to ask tough questions and explore their faith deeply. This open, accepting atmosphere encourages growth and healing, especially for those who have been hurt by traditional church experiences. The stories of discipleship emerging from this environment are powerful, showing how simple gatherings can lead to profound spiritual development.

Meeting Community Needs

Beyond the home church, Lori and her community respond to local needs. They run a summer camp addressing the gap weeks when no other camps are available, providing meals and activities for children. This initiative not only supports working parents but also builds lasting relationships. Lori shares a touching story of a child who, despite not attending Sunday services, proudly calls their church “my church” whenever they drive by.

A Call to Simplicity and Mission

Lori’s message to the broader church is clear: keep it simple and focus on mission. She challenges church leaders to move beyond programs and pews, urging them to listen to their communities, meet people where they are, and invite them into authentic relationships. Her hope is for the church to put aside denominational differences and unite in the mission of sharing God’s love.

Moving Forward Together

As Lori continues her work, she exemplifies how leaders can cultivate fresh expressions of church that are deeply rooted in community and simplicity. Her story is an inspiration for anyone looking to reconnect with the core of what it means to be the church—a family of believers living out their faith in everyday, ordinary ways.

Connect with Lori Jennings

For those interested in learning more or connecting with Lori, you can visit Grace Crossing Community Church’s website at gracecrossingcc.org or the regional website at abcapad.org. Lori is also active on social media and welcomes anyone looking to start their own fresh expression of church.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "New People, New Ways." Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights on how to be the church in new and meaningful ways.