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!

Robin Williams — “Words & Ideas”

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Steve Simms

Robin Williams’ words and ideas brought joy, humor, inspiration, and entertainment to so many people. Yet he, himself, was overcome by despair. So sad. No matter how good and successful our lives may look to others, we all need the … Continue reading →

Posted in depression, despair, discouragement, overcoming depression, Rudyard Kipling | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

ABC’s New TV Show “From Hell” — Really?

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Steve Simms

“From Hell” — Really? ABC has a new TV program — “From Hell.” From the promo it seems to present people’s frustrations, pain, and misery as a form of mass entertainment. My thoughts: * Other people’s suffering doesn’t entertain me. … Continue reading →

Posted in entertainment, job, promo, review, vacation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A highly planned program without personal interaction would make for a boring family gathering or party. What about church?

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Steve Simms

What about church?  A highly planned program without personal interaction would make for a boring family gathering or party!

Posted in creativity, innovation, multi-voiced church, participation, participation in church, participators, participatory church, participatory culture, participatory sermons | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

This Little Light Of Mine–What If We Let It Shine In Church Meetings?

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Steve Simms

Churches sometimes teach the children’s song, This Little Light Of Mine.  It goes:  “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.  Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let … Continue reading →

Posted in children's songs, Christ, church, church meetings, Luke 8:16, lyrics, music, Music City, Nashville church, Nashville news, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, simple church, Tennessee, The Salvation Army, This little light of mine | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

How to create community in church

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Steve Simms

When many speak and share in a meeting, community comes forth. Church is called to be community, not an audience. In a traditional church service, there is one person speaking on the platform and everybody else is in the audience … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians:14, 21st Century, ancient ruins, Berry Street, Berry Street Worship Center, church community, early Christians, early church, early Salvation Army, East Nashville, ekklesia, how to create community, Isaiah, Nashville adventure, Nashville charity, Nashville church, Nashville think tank, Nashville tourist attractions, quotation, Quotations, quote, Quotes, Ross Parsley, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Flag, Salvation Army Nashville, simple church | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” to Love, Peace, & Joy

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Steve Simms

In a world filled with violence, disrespect, hatred, and meanness, the movie, The Hundred-Foot Journey, beautifully illustrates the fact that reaching out in friendship to people you feel threatened by can be inspiring, healing, and transformational.  It vividly portrays the evil of violence and prejudice … Continue reading →

Posted in Charlotte Le Bon, Helen Mirren, Juliet Blake, Manish Daval, movie review, Nashville, Nashville church, novels, Om Puri, Oprah, Oprah Winfrey, Richard C. Morais, Salvation Army, Salvation Army Nashville, Steven Spielberg | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Full Gospel–Salvation Army Style (“Others” or Jesus–Finding Balance)

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Steve Simms

The Salvation Army is off the race track. Check out my new book, Off the RACE Track–From Color-Blind to Color Kind at this link. Commissioner Israel Gaither says this about it: “The racial divide in America is real and it is deep. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian history, church history, Full Gospel, Gospel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, message, quotation, Quotations, quote, Salvation Army General, Salvation Army officer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Unorthodox & Innovative Ideas For Christ-Followers!

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Steve Simms

Innovative & unorthodox ideas for 21st Century Christ-followers: 1) Get on the streets and regularly prayer walk with the Blood & Fire Battle Flag. 2) Regularly post bold declarations about the living, resurrected Jesus Christ on Facebook and other social … Continue reading →

Posted in André Cox, Barry Swanson, Blood and Fire, blood and fire battle flag, Jane Yoder-Short, organic church, outreach, outreach ministry, participatory church, quotation, Quotations, quote, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Commissioner, Salvation Army Flag, Salvation Army General, Salvation Army officer, salvation war | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hang & Praise Church

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Steve Simms

What is hang and praise church?  Hang-and-praise church is hanging out with a group of Christ-followers and sharing His praises with one another through song, stories, and Scriptures! It is based on this description of how Jesus’ earliest disciples met: … Continue reading →

Posted in casual church, East Nashville, organic church, participatory church, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, simple church, unprogrammed church, unscripted church | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Anybody can live like everybody else; but it takes great guts to buck the trends and live like Christ!

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Steve Simms
Posted in Christ likeness, lifestyle Christianity, lifestyles, trends | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment