Monthly Archives: February 2015

Nashville Salvation Army newsletter features a story about Berry Street

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Steve Simms

There is something going on at Berry Street . . . by Laura Tingo The Nashville Salvation Army’s Berry Street Corps is a place where people gather to share, sing, hug and worship. Sometimes one happens without the other. Its … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, church services, corps, nontraditional, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Flag, support group, Trevecca | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Church in spiritual overdrive . . .

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Steve Simms

Spirit-driven church?  Do we need spiritual overdrive in church? In a culture that is fast fleeing from faith and filled with Dones and Nones, perhaps it is time for church to change gears, override personality-focused human agendas, and shift into … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts, Jesus Take The Wheel, organic church, Romans 8:14 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Essence of Life is a Presence!

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Steve Simms

Aristotle said:  “The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” Marcus Tullius Cicero said: “I see the essence of a happy life in a strong spirit.” Reinhold Neibuhr said:  “Change is the essence of life.” William Arthur Ward … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristotle, Cicero, Dennis Waitley, Gordon B. Hinckley, Henry Mavromichalis, Jesus Christ, Quotations, quote, Reinhold Neibuhr, William Arthur Ward | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

When Grace Is In Faces

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Steve Simms

I never could see Christ In the backs of people’s heads, All I saw was hair. But when those same people Are allowed to share From their heart, I feel His glory start To fill the atmosphere. And I know … Continue reading →

Posted in glory of God, God's glory on each face, heart-felt worship, light of Christ, organic church, radiant with God's light, seeing Christ in people, spiritual atmosphere, the hope of glory | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Church / Change / & Jesus

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Steve Simms

Church is not about how many people are present . . . –Church is about how much the presence of God permeates the people who are present! We have been persuaded that the Gospel is to be primarily preached by … Continue reading →

Posted in Love one another, mental torment, preaching without words, presence of God, repentance, tormenting thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12 Reasons For Being Unchurched & The Berry Street Alternative!

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Steve Simms

12 reasons people give for being unchurched . . . & Nashville’s Salvation Army Berry Street alternative! 1) “Church is boring and repetitious.” — Every Sunday morning at Berry Street is unpredictable and exciting. 2) “Churches are unfriendly.” — People at … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, church for the unchurched, decline of the church, how to reach the unchurched, people leaving church, reaching the unchurched, Salvation Army | Tagged , , , , | 33 Comments

Harping On & On About Participatory Church

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Steve Simms

Harping On! Why do I harp on and on about participatory church? –Because I experience the life-transforming music that comes forth when the Hand of God is allowed to play all the strings in a church meeting (not just one … Continue reading →

Posted in gift Bibles, harp music, miracles, priesthood of the believer, Quotes, Salvation Army, The Voice Bible, The Voice translation, translators | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Releasing the best Worship Resources in your Church!

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Steve Simms

Amazing worship resources can be released in your church’s worship . . . The best worship resources are the people of God and the Scriptures, the songs, the insights, the instructions, the ideas, the images, the prayers, etc. that the … Continue reading →

Posted in enrich your worship, John 13:35, planning a worship service, preaching the Gospel, programming worship, the most effective way to preach, worship leaders, worship leading | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Role of The Bible In Participatory/Organic Chruch

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Steve Simms

As a pastor of a participatory (organic) church that is based on open sharing rather than on a featured sermon, people sometimes express concern to me that people are not being taught the Bible in our meetings.  This is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible quotes, Bible study, Bible teaching, how to learn the Bible, Nashville, participatory church, simple church, the Bible in organic church, written word | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Meeting Not Only 2 Hear About The Bible, But Also 2 Do What It Says

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Steve Simms

We can meet to hear about the Bible and/or we can meet to do what the Bible says.  For example: “Blessed are the peacemakers . . .”  –We can hear a talk about the meaning of the word “peacemakers” and/or … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, 2 Timothy 1:6, ancient Israel, beattitudes, interactive church, James 1:22, James 5:16, John 13:34, Luke 9:23, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 5:9, organic church, Psalm 100:1, Salvation Army, simple church | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments