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!

Me, Celebrities N Church, & Judgment . . .

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Steve Simms

God can speak through any person present in a church meeting, but we usually limit Him to the parson on the program. There are no celebrities in church. The only name that should be exalted in church meetings is the … Continue reading →

Posted in cool Christians, meaning of parson, popular Christianity, prosperity, religious celebrities, self-focus | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

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