Author Archives: Steve Simms

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About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

Church is not a place to hide your light

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Steve Simms

How did church become a place to hide the light that shines in your heart? Why do we bring our light to church and then keep it hidden “under a bowl” in our heart? “He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Do … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, Beyond Church, house church, how we do church, open church, open mic church, organic church, organic church blogs, participatory church, purpose of church, questioning church, rethinking church, sharing in church, simple church, Spirit-led church, testimonies in church, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The ekklesia letters of the Bible

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Steve Simms

Several letters in the New Testament are addressed “to the ekklesia” in certain cities. Ekklesia was the name of the city council in ancient Greek city-states. Thus, Jesus said: “I will build My city council.” However, in most English language Bibles the word ekklesia has … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

16 16s for 2016 (keys to a great year)

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Steve Simms

#2016 — Even when you don’t feel like you are trending, you can still have a great year! A sixteen quotation — Be enthusiastic about the new year! “If something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If still boring, … Continue reading →

Posted in a new reformation, Bible, Bible quotes, George Fox, John 3:16, Martin Luther, Matthew 16, Protestant Reformation, Protestant Reformers, proverbs, Quaker, Quakers, reformation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2015 in review–a look back at “Free Gas For Your Think Tank”

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Steve Simms

Here is the WordPress.com 2015 annual report for Free Gas For Your Think Tank. Thank you for reading it and thinking about my ideas. If you like this blog, you will love my new book, Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian blogs, Free Gas, Nashville think tank, organic church blogs, religious blogs, spiritual blogs, Think Tank, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How many fingers (members) should you (your church) use?

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Steve Simms

If a person only uses one finger and all the rest are kept frozen in place; the things that person can do will be very limited. That person will not live up to his/her possibilities. If a church service only uses … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, ecclesia, ecclesiologist, ecclesiology, ekklesia, here's the church here's the steeple, house church, more than church, paralysis, simple church, Uncategorized, When you come together | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

“Built Jesus Tough” on the Rock that never rolls

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Steve Simms

Sometimes it’s not enough to be Built Ford Tough. We need to be Built Jesus Tough! Ekklesia: Jesus builds it rock-solid! It’s being built on the Rock that never rolls — set in stone — Built Jesus Tough! Religious foundations wobble. Pastors can … Continue reading →

Posted in Beyond Church, built his house on a rock, Christ the solid rock, ekklesia, house church, organic chruch, parable, rock and roll, rock church, rock of revelation, rocking religion, simple church, the wise builder, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Holy Spirit–teaching topic or Teacher?

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Steve Simms

Church makes the Holy Spirit a teaching topic (a preaching point). Ekklesia makes the Holy Spirit the Teacher who releases revelation and spiritual gifts through ordinary people in the meeting. Church has made the Holy Spirit a lesson to learn by … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible quotes, body life, church programming, ekklesia, gifts of the Spirit, Joe Saxton, nontraditional church, one another, organic church, Quench not the Spirit, Quotes, Spirit-led, spiritual gifts, taught by the Spirit, the Spirit will teach you, traditional church, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Let’s go BC — beyond church

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Steve Simms

Johnny Hart, creator of the comic strip, BC, defined prayer as “allowing God to have His will in your life on His terms.” That’s also a great definition of going “BC–beyond church.” Church meetings are set up by the will and … Continue reading →

Posted in Beyond Church, Bible, comic strip, ekklesia, house church, I did it His way, organic church, prayer, simple church, Uncategorized, Wizard of Id | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Christ Holiday!

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Steve Simms

Don’t keep Christ in Christmas! Let Him out! Celebrate, follow, and obey, The living Jesus everyday! May you enjoy this day, Named for Christ, And encounter Jesus’ love As you gather today With family and friends On this special “Holiday,” … Continue reading →

Posted in blogs about Christmas, Christ in Christmas, Christian holidays, Christmas cards, Christmas greeting, Christmas is about Jesus, Christmas season, Christmas story, Christmas traditions, for the holidays, Happy Holidays, international holidays, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Merry Christmas, plan of salvation, real meaning of Christmas, salvation, Uncategorized, unusual holidays, winter holidays | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

New Book Full Of Salvation Army History & Quotes

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Steve Simms

Major Stephen Court says in the foreword: “What would happen if we burst out of the conventional church paradigm? What would happen if we decided to live our lives, fight our salvation warfare, serve our King of Kings, within a … Continue reading →

Posted in 95 theses, André Cox, Berry Street, Beyond Church, Catherine Booth, Come Join Our Army, Crest Books, ekklesia, Israel Gaither, Martin Luther, Nashville, Phil Needham, Protestant Reformation, salvation war, Samuel Logan Brengle, Stephen Court, Uncategorized, William Booth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment