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!

Church? A Preacher Performing or People Participating

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Steve Simms

Should there be more than one way to hold a church service? Perhaps we should allow many ways of having a church meeting; instead of the one (almost universal) way of church based on sermon-hearing. Christians invite people to church … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, Berry Street Worship Center, Christianity, church meetings, church services, creating an environment, interactive church, John Heider, multi-voiced church, Music City, Nashville, Nashville church, organic church, participatory church, quotation, Quotations, quote, religion, religious meetings, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvationism, sermon-hearing, Spirit-led church, unprogrammed church, Warren Bennis | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

5 People In 1 Minute Tell About The Salvation Army Berry Street

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Steve Simms

The Presence of Christ is sweet when we meet at Berry Street. Check out The Salvation Army Berry Street on Sunday mornings at 10:45, 225 Berry St., Nashville, TN 37207

Posted in Berry Street, Berry Street Worship Center, church, community, religion, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, spiritual | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Broom Church or Single Straw Sermons

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Steve Simms

Which is more effective at releasing the Holy Spirit’s power and presence — broom church or single straw sermons? All our focus on one straw can’t sweep a floor clean; but many straws, led together as a broom, can transform … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, church format, church meetings, church program, church programs, church services, church structure, house church, multi-voiced church, open church, open forum, open mic, open mike, open sharing, order of worship, organic church, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, simple church, sweeping, worship, worship center, worship gathering, worship service | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Simple Church & Everyday People

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Steve Simms

Everyday people are eloquent when they are allowed in church to express their heart-felt excitement about and experiences with the everlasting God! Simple Church” — To encourage the congregation to listen to Jesus and then allow them to say and … Continue reading →

Posted in church format, church meetings, church program, church programs, church roles, church services, church speakers, one another, one anothering, one anothers, open church, open sharing, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, testimonies, testimonies in church, testimony, witness, witnesses | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

When you hear the word, but then don’t do it; you never know how tremendously powerful it is!

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Steve Simms

Perhaps a church meeting should be like a joyful song, with many notes sounding out together. I dream of churches letting all of God’s people openly share the notes that He has put on their hearts! Since 1517 Protestant church … Continue reading →

Posted in house church, how to do church, how to get involved in church, James 1:22, not doers only, open church, order of worship, organic church, participation in church, participatory church, quotation, Quotations, quote, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, what to do in Nashville, why go to church, worship center, worship gathering | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The NFL Draft

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Steve Simms

Perhaps the church can learn from the NFL Draft! The NFL Draft is not looking for passive spectators to sit around and listen to the coach every week; but for game-changers who get off the bench and make plays!  (To … Continue reading →

Posted in Nashville, Nashville charity, Nashville church, Nashville tourist attractions, non-traditional church, open church, open forum, open mic, open mike, participation, participators, participatory church, quotation, Quotations, quote, religion, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, Salvationism, Salvationists, simple church | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What If Church Tore Up The Sunday Program And Just Followed The Living Jesus Christ?

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Steve Simms

When Christ is present, church needs no program.  Jesus said: “Follow Me,” (not: “Follow a program,”). He also said: “I am the way,” (not: “A program is the way,”). And His mother said: “Whatever He says to you, do it,” (not: … Continue reading →

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Should Church Services Train People To Be Passive Or Active?

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Steve Simms

Some people say that church services (and how we behave in them) are not important. They say that what matters is not church meetings, but what believers do in everyday life (being the church in society).  However, there are three … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Does God Go To Church?

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Steve Simms

Does God attend church?  If so, is He a passive spectator or an active participant? You can plainly see what people do in church — sing, take an offering, preach a sermon; but what does God do in church? God’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Political Correctness vs. Participatory Church (2 PCs)

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Steve Simms

Political correctness tries to intimidate and to coerce people to accept its views on social issues.  Participatory church encourages people to follow their conscience and to obey the voice of God. Political correctness tries to make people say things that … Continue reading →

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