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!

The Magnificence of Mutual Ministry

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Steve Simms

Mutual ministry is the shared, non-hierarchical, back and forth (one to another) ministry between the people in a church.  It’s a beautiful thing to behold, but it is very rare, almost unknown. However, mutual ministry is biblical.  The New Testament … Continue reading →

Posted in belief, clergy, Episcopal church, heresies, James C. Fenhagen, laity, Lutheran church, organic church, participatory church, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Dones, Nones, or Son-Runs? (Names For Leaving Church)

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Steve Simms

–Experience the refreshing of Son-run church. “Nones” are people who have no church affiliation. “Dones” are believers who are done with church. “Son-runs” are believers who are done with man-run church but have discovered the spiritual fun of church run … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, decline of the church, organic church, shrinking church, simple church, Spirit-led church | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

What Does Church Train People To Be?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Steve Simms

Two ways a church service can train people: 1) Church could train people to be passionate, prophetic, Spirit-prompted participators. 2) Instead church tends to train people to be silent, sedentary, subservient spectators. What is the church you attend training you to … Continue reading →

Posted in Apostle Paul, Beneath Two Flags, books, Charles Finney, evangelism, John Wesley, Martin Luther, Maud Booth, Nashville, organic chruch | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Beaching It (In My Mind)

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Steve Simms

Inspired by Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s book, Gift From The Sea, I try my hand at writing about the sea: The ocean is such a reminder of the grandeur of God. Its wonder stirs our spirit and allows us to breathe in the … Continue reading →

Posted in beaching it, books, ocean thoughts, patience, Quotes, resting on the beach, thoughts from the beach | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spirit-Synchronized Swimming

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Steve Simms

Spirit-synchronized sharing is when a group of believers meets together to listen to the Holy Spirit and then say and do what the Spirit tells them.  As they begin to speak, one after another, as prompted by the Spirit, everything … Continue reading →

Posted in church, church leadership, led by the Spirit, Nashville, Salvation Army, Spirit-led, spirituality, worship services | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Inner Empire Strikes Back

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Steve Simms

When dark raiders and demonic invaders oppress the human mind, the inner empire of God strikes back with love, joy, and peace to defend the great wealth of spiritual and mental health. Which side are you fighting on? “We must … Continue reading →

Posted in French mystics, Louis Lallelmant, Paul of Tarsus, Serbian monks, Thaddeus of Victovnica | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Why we might not want revival and spiritual awakening . . .

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Steve Simms

Why we might not want a spiritual awakening (a revival, a move of God)? Because in a time of revival: 1) Ordinary believers get excited about the living God and begin to obey the Spirit in church meetings, rather than … Continue reading →

Posted in conviction of sin, great awakening, objections to revival, overturning church order, Revive us again?, Send the fire, William Booth | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Church Leadership — Easy as ABC!

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Steve Simms

Church Leadership . . .   A) What’s the purpose of church leaders (for example, a pastor?) Ephesians 4:12 says that it is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (NEB) … Continue reading →

Posted in church, Ephesians 4:12, Nashville, one anothering, perfecting the saints, Salvation Army, simple church, work of the ministry | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Alive! 55+ and Kickin’ (The Power of Personal Testimony)

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Steve Simms

I just saw a section of CBS’s 60 Minutes that vividly shows the power of personal testimony.  It had me weeping as ordinary men and women shared life’s battle scars, humbly from their heart, and then sang victoriously about them. … Continue reading →

Posted in alive and kicking, Lesley Stahl, Mama Foundation, testimonies, Vy Higginsen | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

A Validation Of Open Participation In Church Meetings

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Steve Simms

A Validation Of Open Participation In Church Meetings: Here’s an observation: Without an oration, the decentralization of church into Spirit-led participation, releases a saturation of fascination with the living, resurrected Jesus Christ that produces an amazing manifestation of revelation, cooperation, … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational participation, organic church, participation, revelation, Spirit-led, spirituality | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments