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!

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

Meeting Not Only 2 Hear About The Bible, But Also 2 Do What It Says

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Steve Simms

We can meet to hear about the Bible and/or we can meet to do what the Bible says.  For example: “Blessed are the peacemakers . . .”  –We can hear a talk about the meaning of the word “peacemakers” and/or … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, 2 Timothy 1:6, ancient Israel, beattitudes, interactive church, James 1:22, James 5:16, John 13:34, Luke 9:23, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 5:9, organic church, Psalm 100:1, Salvation Army, simple church | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Setting The Sons Of Thunder Loose In Church!

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Steve Simms

At The Salvation Army Berry Street we have a different individual (or group) serve as our lead-worshiper (worship leader) each Sunday! The Sons Of Thunder recently led us into the awesome presence of the living, resurrected Jesus! Here’s what the … Continue reading →

Posted in Jesus is the Senior Pastor, leading worship, organic church, Salvador De Madariaga, Salvation Army, sermons, simple church, worship leaders | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

If you put shades of gray on your eyes, you’ll distort your view of life with destructive desires and daily dismantle your destiny.

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Steve Simms

If you put shades of gray on your eyes, you’ll distort your view of life with destructive desires and daily dismantle your destiny. “Flee those men who follow their whims.” –Pachomius (born in 292 in Luxor, Egypt)

Posted in bondage, by E.L. James, Dakota Johnson, Egypt, ethics, Jamie Dornan, Luxor, Pachomius, parody, Quotes, romance novels, Sam Taylor-Johnson, values, whims | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Did Einstein contradict himself? Is E = MC2 an oxymoron?

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Steve Simms

Did Einstein contradict himself? I woke up this morning thinking about Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. –Einstein said that time goes slower if you travel at the speed of light–186,000 miles per second. –Einstein also said that the speed of light … Continue reading →

Posted in 186000 miles per second, Albert Einstein, Black or White, Did Einstein contradict himself, energy, famous formula, Is time relative, Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, oxymoron, relativity, speed of light a constant, time travel, was Einstein wrong | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments