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!

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 →

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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 →

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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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A Joyful Heart Is A Beautiful Mix Of Several Things

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Steve Simms

A joyful heart is a beautiful mix of:1) Freedom from tormenting emotions like: fear, guilt, worry, revenge, anxiety, shame, hatred, depression, lust, envy, pride, etc.;2) Having a strong sense of inner peace, contentment, and satisfaction;3) Having a passionate desire to … Continue reading →

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Will We Let God Drive His Car? (Oops, I Mean Church?)

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Steve Simms

If someone had the only keys to your car and they always drove your car and sometimes let you ride along with them, but they wouldn’t let you drive, direct, control, or steer your very own car; would you like … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, organic church, religion, simple church, spiritual | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What IF God Is Speaking To You, But You Don’t Notice It?

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Steve Simms

What if God is speaking to you but you are unaware of His voice because: 1) You’ve been taught that God doesn’t talk to people nowadays; 2) You think His voice is nothing but your conscience; 3) You’re afraid of … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, experiencing God, God calling, hearing Jesus, hearing the Holy Spirit, how to hear God's voice, listening prayer, listening skills, listening to God, spiritual formation, spiritual hearing, spiritual listening | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Should Happen In Church?

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Steve Simms

What happens when Christ-followers meet together? Christ-followers are supposed to regularly meet together (see Hebrews 10:14), but what are they supposed to do when they meet? Many centuries of tradition say that they are suppose to passively sit back and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, forsake not the assembly, hearing God, hearing Jesus, hearing the Holy Spirit, house church, Matthew 18:20, Romans 8:14, simple church, Uncategorized, where two or three in My name | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The New Testament teaches that “our God is a consuming fire.”  (Hebrews 12:29).  If there is no fire in your heart, is God there?

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Steve Simms | Leave a comment