A Network of Simple Churches
“the kingdom of God is like a bamboo forest”
The Bamboo Initiative
Detroit, Michigan
A decentralized network of replicating simple churches for every neighborhood of Metro Detroit, Michigan and beyond.
Our Dream
“The kingdom of God is like a bamboo forest.” A single bamboo shoot sends out roots in multiple directions, and every few feet a new shoot rises, from each root. With each new shoot…
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Our Values
Bamboo grows from healthy ROOTS. We believe in the power of joyful, loving connection with those who are a step ahead of us to bring about transformational growth in the lives…
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Our Story
While ministering in Metro Detroit, Jim and Megan Pool realized that they were both feeling stuck in ministry. Things were solid at the church they were leading, yet they felt something stirring…
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Simple Church
The Simple Church is the foundational expression of the church, the basic unit of disciples of Jesus gathering as spiritual families on mission. This is the church that meets home to home in worship, fellowship and mission, to strengthen and sustain their common communal and personal discipleship to Jesus, commonly ranging from six to twenty participants. The Bamboo Initiative is committed to the idea that it is the privilege, opportunity and responsibility of every follower of Jesus to found and facilitate such simple churches.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is an ancient practice being renewed in our time. As a ministry it is designed to help people deepen their relationship with God, learning to recognize God’s activity in the everyday circumstances of our lives, and becoming more open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and transformation.
Partner With Us
An African proverb states: “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.” This is an opportunity for us to run far, together. Bamboo is looking for partners both to come alongside us in our movement. We have partnership opportunities involving time, passion, skills and financial resources.