Category Archives: curriculum

Are Daily Devotional Books (and Sunday School Curriculum) Overused?

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Steve Simms

Christian books and pamphlets called “daily devotionals” usually follow the format of quoting a Bible verse and then having a Christian preacher or writer express their opinion about it through short insights and catchy illustrations. Then they end with a … Continue reading →

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My favorite subjects weren’t taught in school.

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Steve Simms

For some reason my favorite subjects weren’t taught in school. I’ve had to explore and learn them on my own. They include positive thinking, creativity, self-control, character development, awe, openheartedness, forgiveness, hopefulness, kindness, gratitude, joy, inner peace, humility, world peace, … Continue reading →

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Religious curriculum can make you numb, but Christ will give you life!

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Steve Simms

When life weariesAnd overwhelms me,A sermon seriesFull of theoriesIsn’t enoughTo feed my soulAnd make me whole.The risen Jesus is! AwarenessOf swirling aweOpens the wayTo ExperienceThe incomprehensible God. You don’t develop a relationship with Jesus by learning information about Him, but … Continue reading →

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Jesus didn’t say to follow a preacher, a program, or a curriculum. He said: “Follow Me.”

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Steve Simms

Doing my daily Bible reading, I saw Paul describe a Christ-led support group in Romans 1:11-12. He wrote: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you … Continue reading →

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3 Church (Corps) Innovations: Passionate Preaching By Ordinary People / Expanded Mercy Seat / Curriculum-Free Sunday School

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Steve Simms

Here are 3 church innovations for the 21st Century: 1) Passionate preaching by ordinary people: I heard a Salvation Army Divisional Commander preach with passion last night. You could feel fire, excitement, and inspiration flowing from his heart-felt words. –Our … Continue reading →

Posted in altar call, Christian innovations, church altar, church programs, cranium, curriculum, fresh expressions, mercy seat, messy church, Music City, Nashville, organic church, simple church, The Salvation Army | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Aiming For Your Heart

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Steve Simms

Television and movies aim to reach your desire to be entertained.  Advertising aims to for your emotions.  Negative political advertisements aim to reach your fears.  Classes, seminars, and even sermons aim for your mind.  Love, however, aims to reach your … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, alternative lifestyle, belief, Berry Street, Berry Street Worship Center, Bible reading, biblical, Biblical concept, burning heart, Christ followers, Christ-centered, Christian, Christian history, church, church history, curriculum, devotion, fire, fire of the Holy Spirit, inner peace, inner rivers, inspiration, intellect, intelligence, invisible, Jesus, Jesus Christ, John Wesley, joy, kingdom of God, lecture, Methodist class meeting, Methodist revivalists, Methodists, ministry, movement, Music City, Nashville, normal Christianity, relevation, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvationists, seminars, Spirit-led, spiritual, spiritual awakening, spiritual formation, testimonies, testimony, The Salvation Army | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Is There A Better Way To Study?

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Steve Simms

In the Western world we study to effect our intellect more than our heart.  Our minds swell while our hearts are shrink-wrapped in an endless roll of facts and figures.  Is there a better way to study?  Yes. Paul of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, burning heart, change, change management, choice, curriculum, disciple making, discipling, downloads, facts and figures, gifts of the Spirit, hunch, inner rivers, insight, inward change, joy, lifestyles, Paul of Tarsus, puffed up mind, Scriptures, self-denial, shrink-wrapped, spiritual, spiritual formation, spiritual growth, Study, wireless | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments