Category Archives: church hurt

Beyond These 3 Pet Peeves — Religious Formalities, Performances, and Institutionalism

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Steve Simms

I am a “non-liturgical reader.” I try to avoid reading the Bible (and other Christian writings) through liturgical eyes. I want to see beyond the ritual of routine religion and daily live out the reality that it tries to represent. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Denominations, Christian unity, Christianity, church hurt | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why was Christianity turned into church?

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Steve Simms

Christians are willing to passively sit together in church but seldom willing to be gathered together in active heart-intimacy with the living Jesus and with each other. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . you were not willing.” Never be satisfied … Continue reading →

Posted in church history, church hurt, church leadership, Uncategorized | 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

Megachurch pastor’s message stops an inner-city ministry

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Steve Simms

A mighty megachurch pastorPreached a message proclaimingThat all his member’s tithesBelonged to his churchAnd that God didn’t want themTo be given anywhere else.One married couple was saddenedBecause they were givingOne week of their titheEvery monthTo a small local inner-city ministryThat … Continue reading →

Posted in church hurt, control in church, cool church, playing church, rethink church, rethinking church, sermon | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The sad song (quote) about Hillsong

Posted on May 28, 2022 by Steve Simms

Someone said: “The church is like Noah’s Ark. Had it not been for the floodwaters outside, who could have stood the stench inside!” Boz Tchividjian, Billy Graham’s grandson, made a shocking statement when he was the lawyer for one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian church, church, church decline, church hurt, church leadership, Hillsong Church | Tagged , , , , | 1 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

“Bride(zilla)”–A Radical Diagnosis Without Bold Answers

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Steve Simms

The Bride(zilla) of Christ — what a bold and radical assessment of church by authors Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin. Here are some of their observations about church as it is usually done in the Western world: “One of my most … Continue reading →

Posted in a new reformation, body of Christ, bride of Christ, Bridezilla of Christ, church decline, church hurt, consumerism, ekklesia, house church, how the body of Christ functions, organic church, radical reformation, reformation, Rodney King, simple church, Uncategorized, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment