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!

Origin of Obligatory Oratory in Church Meetings (Let’s Get Back To The Future)

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Steve Simms

In the new church, ordinary people (not the Apostles) spoke about Jesus wherever they went. “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, Aristotle, book of Acts, Cicero, Edwin Hatch, ekklesia, participatory church, public speaking, rhetoric, Spirit-led | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

What The Church Can Learn From Restaurant Concepts

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Steve Simms

When someone wants to open a new restaurant, she/he must first think of a concept. Restaurant concepts are various ways and means of operating restaurants. The term restaurant concept means the service style, operational strategy, theme, cuisine, and culture of a restaurant. The goal … Continue reading →

Posted in bistro, buffet, cafe, casual dining, Danny Carberry, ethnic food, family style dining, fast casual, fast food, fine dining, food trucks, fresh expressions, owning a restaurant, quote | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why should the Holy Spirit be restricted to speaking through only one man in a church service? (Is there any Scripture to support that limitation on the Spirit?)

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Steve Simms
Posted in mutual ministry, open church, organic church, restricting the Spirit, simple church | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Guess Who Came From Arkansas 2 Visit Nashville’s Berry Street?

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Steve Simms

A Facebook friend, William Pratt, wrote this about his visit to a participatory worship service at The Salvation Army Berry Street: Last fall my wife and I had the privilege of visiting a church in Nashville, TN on a Sunday … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, church, Nashville tourism, participatory church, visiting Nashville | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

Participatory church creates a climate contagious with Christ!

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Steve Simms

Catch Jesus! Catch His love fire burning in your heart. Get so infected with Jesus that you are continually overwhelmed by His awesome power and majesty. Revival is when multitudes in a city, area, or country catch such a case … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, burn for God, contagious Christian, God's fire, Nashville, organic church, outpouring of the Spirit, revival fires, Salvation Army, Spirit-led | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Top 10 March Madness Thoughts

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Steve Simms

Here are my Top Ten March Madness Thoughts: March Madness Thought #10:  A basketball team with one superstar and all the rest bench warmers, will never make the NCAA Basketball Tournament. March Madness Thought #9:  What tournament officials can teach pastors — … Continue reading →

Posted in Arne Krogh, Christianity, church, Cinderella team, coaching, faith, humility, Noel Jameson, Quotations, superstar, teamwork, thoughts, Tony Skinn, Top Ten | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why not schedule a “Jesus 12” in your church service?

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Steve Simms

Why not schedule a “Jesus 12” in your church program? –A “Jesus 12” is 12 unprogrammed minutes during a church service where the living, resurrected Jesus is allowed to be the leader and people are free to go to an … Continue reading →

Posted in 12 minutes, Easter, Follow Me, I am the way, making church more organic, making church more participatory, organic church, organic church in institutional church, putting Jesus in the church program, resurrection, testimonies in church | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

How is Jesus like a pianist?

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Steve Simms

How is Jesus like a piano player? Even the world’s best pianist can’t play a piano with stuck keys. –Even the living, resurrected Jesus Christ can’t move his body if the members are so stuck that they won’t obey the … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Tennessee, Music City, Nashville, organic church, Salvation Army, simple church, TN | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Abortion = Prenatal Domestic Violence

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Steve Simms

Abortion is Prenatal domestic violence. When domestic violence Is approved against Human life in the womb, How can we stop it Anywhere else? Mother Teresa quotes on abortion: “If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, fatherless society, fathers' rights, human rights, human trafficing, parent rights, poverty, prochoice, prolife, Quotations, right to abortion, right to choose, right to life, stop domestic violence, violence, violence against children | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

got conscience? — A Poem & Some Quotes About Conscience

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Steve Simms

I wrote a poem about conscience: Are You Unconscience? Conscience is The inner call To think, say, and do What is right And what is true. To be unconscience Is to be Captured and controlled by Cravings and compulsions. If … Continue reading →

Posted in evil, happiness, human conscience, inner voice, morality, Quotations, right and wrong, taking a stand, voice of conscience, what is conscience | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment