What if Epicurus was a church planter today?

Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher that focused on simple pleasures and peace of mind. If he were a church planter, he might approach the task in a way that would surprise us. His school, the Garden (Kēpos), functioned much like an intentional community—a mix of philosophical retreat, hospitality hub, and alternative society. But how would these methods translate into the world of church planting today?

What Epicurus Would Get Right

1. Radical Hospitality
   Epicurus was famous for welcoming everyone—men and women, rich and poor, free and enslaved—into his Garden. He would likely create an incredibly welcoming and inclusive community, where belonging wasn’t based on status, education, or background. In a church context, this could mean an emphasis on open tables, shared meals, and deep relational bonds.

2. A Focus on Practical Wisdom
   Rather than abstract theology, Epicurus emphasised simple, life-giving wisdom—how to live without fear, how to cultivate friendship, and how to experience peace. A church led by him would likely major on everyday formation: how faith helps us deal with anxiety, suffering, and the fear of death (a topic he obsessed over).

3. A Community over a Building
   For Epicurus, philosophy wasn’t about grand temples but about daily life in a close-knit community. His church plant would likely be more of a network of homes than an institutional structure. It might even resemble something like the early house churches of Acts—small, relationally rich, and focused on communal rhythms rather than centralised authority.

What Epicurus Would Get Wrong

1. A Shaky Theology of Suffering
   Epicurus taught that the gods, if they exist, are distant and uninvolved, and that suffering should be avoided whenever possible. In contrast, the New Testament calls for participation in Christ’s suffering (Phil. 3:10), embracing hardship for the sake of others. A church founded on Epicurean ideals might struggle with perseverance, mission, and the costly call of discipleship.

2. A Limited Vision of the Divine
   Epicurus’ view of the gods as uninvolved in human affairs would sit uncomfortably in a Christian setting, where God is deeply personal, active, and engaged with His people. Without a strong doctrine of God’s providence, his church might drift toward a therapeutic community rather than a Spirit-empowered movement.

3. An Overemphasis on Comfort
   While the early church was often marked by joy, it was also driven by urgency, mission, and sacrifice. Epicurus, on the other hand, sought peace above all else. His church plant might risk becoming insular—a cosy retreat for like-minded people rather than a movement engaging the world with the radical call of the gospel.

What We Can Learn from Epicurus

While Epicurus might not make the best church planter, his ideas challenge us to reflect on our own approach. The Christian community could benefit from his emphasis on hospitality, simplicity, and deep friendships. But we also need to remember that the Church isn’t just about tranquility—it’s about transformation, mission, and the dynamic presence of God.

A truly healthy church plant would blend Epicurus’ commitment to close community with the biblical call to go beyond comfort, embracing the cost of discipleship in a way that changes both individuals and the world.