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!

Je suis en Christ!

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Steve Simms

In a world where the words “Thou shall not kill,” are no longer in our vocabulary — Je suis en Christ! In a world full of mean words and violent actions — Je suis en Christ! In a world full … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible quotes, Create in me a clean heart, freedom of speech, love your enemies, technology, way of love | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Je suis un disciple de Jésus!

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Steve Simms

Je suis en Christ!

Posted in Christ followers, discipleship, in Christ, Jesus Christ, speaking out for Christ | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Why are so many people who don’t want anything to do with God, offended by the idea of eternal separation from God?

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Steve Simms
Posted in broken relationship, eternal separation from God, offense of the Gospel, rebellion against God, rejecting God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Church — Educational or Mystical?

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Steve Simms

Historically church has been seen as educational –communicating concepts about God (especially since the Protestant Reformation). –Biblically church is seen as a mystical portal — presenting the actual presence of the living Christ. (“Where two or three gather in my … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian community, Christian education, Christian mysticism, Christian spirituality, Matthew 18:20, Nashville, organic church, Salvation Army, Tom Robbins, Where two are three are gathered | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“God is continually calling us outside of our boxes.” –Nashville’s Most Unusual Church

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Steve Simms

Answer the call — experience community — at The Salvation Army Berry Street! –“God is continually calling us out of our boxes . . . To meet another person outside of our boxes is to experience genuine community.” —James C. … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, Christian community, community organizer, gifts of the Spirit, organic church, revival, Salvation Army church, worship | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

From “Attending Church” to “Doing Church” to “Being the Church . . .”

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Steve Simms

Some people say that we don’t need to go to church.  We need “to be the church.” To “be the church” implies action rather than passive watching. But before we can get up the courage to “be the church” in … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, attending church, church attendance, going to church, New Testament church, obeying the Spirit, Spirit-led, When you come together | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Overcoming Anxiety in the Dental Chair

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Steve Simms

While I was struggling to overcome anxiety this morning, as a dental drill buzzed in my mouth, this thought came to my mind: –Many people make their mind a house of horrors.  I prefer to create a castle of contentment.– … Continue reading →

Posted in anxiety, dental care, overcoming fear, positive attitude, worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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