Author Archives: Steve Simms

Unknown's avatar

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!

Ekklesia eases the pain of being thrown under the church bus

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Steve Simms

A pretty red cup is no reason to throw Starbucks under the church bus! If you’ve ever Been thrown under The church bus, Ekklesia will Heal your hurts. Ekklesia puts People before programs, Love before liturgy, Relationships before religion, Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, Bible, bus station, busses, church, church committees, ekklesia, Frank Lampard, hurt by church, Jesus, John 7:38, liturgy, rivers of living water, Salvation Army, Scripture, sitting on the bench, threw him under the bus | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Does God Want To Shoot Pool In Church?

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Steve Simms

When Christ-followers meet, does God want to cue you and others? Is shooting pool in slow-mo a metaphor for what God wants to do in church meetings? Perhaps so. We call this church: But what if this is more like … Continue reading →

Posted in 8 ball, 9 ball, all we are saying is give, angles, how to, How to break billiards, How to play pool, How to rack, instructions, organic church, stratedgy | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Sculpture In East Nashville

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Steve Simms

East Nashville’s McFerrin Park Neighborhood has a new sculpture — a cross with a heart of fire. The sculpture was created by Fred Major of Fred Major Galleries. It was installed on the front lawn of The Salvation Army Berry … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, cross, fire of God, God's presence, McFerrin Park, power of God, revival fires, Send the fire, spiritual awakening, the Holy Spirit and fire | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Who should determine the “order of worship”?

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Steve Simms

Who is qualified To determine the “Order of worship” When Christ-followers meet? The Bible says Only the Holy Spirit: “No one knows the thoughts of God Except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11) “Those who are led By the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 2, Bible, church programs, Holy Spirit, led by the Spirit, listening to God, No one knows the thoughts of God, Romans 8:14, the Spirit of God | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Should We Choose A Church Like a U-Pick Farm? (Or Let Jesus Pick?)

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Steve Simms

Jesus wants to gather His body together, to assemble His ekklesia. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: “I will build My church (ekklesia).” But will we let Him? It seems that we have made going to church like a U-pick (pick-your-own) … Continue reading →

Posted in ekklesia, farms, God has set the members, I will build my church, Jesus, Luke 13:34, Matthew 16:18, NKJ, O Jerusalem Jerusalem, Paul of Tarsus, reasons for going to church, right to choose, self-pick, surveys, U-pick | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Church should let ordinary people light up the house!

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Steve Simms

For centuries churches have trained ordinary people to hide the light that shines in their heart (“Christ in you, the hope of glory”). They have been taught to sit back, be quiet, and let a professional tell them how they … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts 4:13, Berry Street, hide it under a bushel, Matthew 5, ordinary men, Salvation Army, Sermon on the Mount, song | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to hear with your inner ear

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Steve Simms

The Voice on NBC (Now Believing Christ) — Don’t miss the new season! Listen to the Spirit In your inner ear– In your heart And your conscience. Let Him make the Bible Burn inside you And come alive In your … Continue reading →

Posted in Be still and know, ekklesia, faith comes by hearing, he who has ears to hear, how to, Is God speaking, listening prayer, new season, still small voice, Today if you would hear his voice, what the Spirit says | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Christ’s lights should have every bulb burning (not just one)

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Steve Simms

Too often church services are like a string of Christmas tree lights with only one bulb burning, which our 21st Century interactive, participatory culture often finds boring. (That may be why so many people are “Dones” — done with church.) … Continue reading →

Posted in back to the Bible, Bible, Christmas lights, church services, ekklesia, Holiday lights, Matthew 16:18, Nashville, organic church, When you come together, worship, Yule tide | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Meeting the Halloween Challenge! (Reformation Day.)

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Steve Simms

–The greatest challenge for Halloween is not decorating, or getting a costume that suits you, or which party to go to, or getting the kids ready for trick or treating, or even the weather. The greatest challenge is to take … Continue reading →

Posted in 1517, 95 theses, casting out demons, cyberspace, Germany, holiday about, ideas, Jesus Christ, Martin Luther, Protestant Reformation, put on Christ, Reformation Day, Romans 13, why celebrate Halloween, Wittenburg | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment