Category Archives: change in church

I’ve Studied and Practiced Ekklesia More Than Most People Have

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Steve Simms

I’ve studied, personally experienced, and practiced ekklesia (the ancient Greek participatory town hall meeting that Jesus said He would build) more than most people have but doesn’t make me “an authority.” I’m more of an exhorter and encourager of that … Continue reading →

Posted in change in church, ekklesia, persecution, religious persecution | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’ve lost interest in trying to fit into an institutional church.

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Steve Simms

How we need Spirit-directed Christi-followers and Spirit-led gatherings! When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, He empowered Christ-seekers to live Spirit-directed lives and to participate in Spirit-led assemblies. Now the members of the body of Christ don’t have to stay … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, change in church, institutional church, Spirit-led church | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

I’m scared to interrupt a church service (like the Bible says to do)

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Steve Simms

“If a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.” (1 Corinthians 14:30-31.) This is one of the most ignored Scriptures … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, bored in church, change in church, interrupting in church | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The type of meeting that can manifest and maintain a Spirit-led movement . . .

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Steve Simms

The ancient Greeks had the secret to maintaining a movement. Jesus borrowed their word for it! Spiritual movements happen when people spontaneously open their heart to one another as equals and to Jesus as their daily Lord. Institutions don’t maintain … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, body of Christ, change in church, church history, ekklesia, Greek city-states, Greek history, revelation, revival, rock of revelation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Changing the churches is more powerful than changing the government

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Steve Simms

In 1519, Martin Luther proclaimed, “Change the church!” In 2023 it still needs changing! Many Christians want to change the government, but our responsibility is to change the churches so that they are led by God’s Spirit. Let’s wake up … Continue reading →

Posted in American church, boredom in church, change in church, Christian church, church hurt, ekklesia | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Church-swap Sunday idea

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Steve Simms

Let all the Christians(Including the preachers)On a certain SundayIn a particular townAsk God to send themTo a church other thanThe one they normally attendAnd when they gatherSay and doWhatever the risen JesusTells them to.Would that be chaos or glory?I believe … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative to church, attending church, back to church, change in church, Christian poetry, church themes, poetry, unity | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Religious bubble wrap can shrink wrap your relationship with God.

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Steve Simms

Don’t let religion shrink wrap your relationship with God. Show people religion and they get bored (at least after an hour). Show people the risen Jesus and they are captivated and transformed. Religion likes to interpret life. The risen Jesus … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, alternative to church, American church, bored in church, boredom in church, casual church, change in church, church burn out, church decline, church hurt, church leadership, church order, church programming, formal religion, organized religion, practical religion, religious innovation, religious meetings, religious questions, religious tradition, religious words, rocking religion, routine religion, true religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

#Makechurchekklesiaagain

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Steve Simms

Theologian Emil Brunner taught that Christianity drifted away from ekklesia & into church. “A hashtag does not change anything. It’s a hashtag.” –Shonda Rhimes Here’s a fresh, new hashtag for those who want to go beyond church as usual:  #Makechurchekklesiaagain … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, alternative to church, Beyond Church, change in church, Christian church, church experiment, ecclesia, ecclesiastical, ecclesiological, ecclesiologist, ekklesias, hashtags, house church, make church ekklesia again, organic church, organic church blogs, quotation, Quotations, quote, simple church, theologians, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thoughts from the Bible & the General . . .

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Steve Simms

I read some statements that General André Cox made at The Salvation Army National Advisory Organizations Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, April 21-24, 2016. The theme of the conference was “Expect Change.” The General’s comments reminded me of these biblical concepts: Christ-followers … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, change, change agent, change in church, change management, changes in worship, each one has a psalm, evangelism, makes change, Phoenix, preach the gospel, Quench not the Spirit, Uncategorized, witnesses, witnessing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cereal, cars, & church alternatives . . .

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Steve Simms

If for many centuries, almost everyone in the world who ate breakfast always had some brand of cereal, we would think it strange if a few people started talking and writing about having pancakes for breakfast. Breakfast cereal eaters might … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, Beyond Church, change in church, change management, changes in worship, ekklesia, fresh expressions, house church, lay testimonies, messy church, nontraditional church, personal testimonies, Quakers, salvation testimonies, simple church, Spirit-led, Uncategorized, unprogrammed meetings | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment