Category Archives: discipleship

Present Day Disciple Making “en” Costa Rica

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Steve Simms

I experienced a place where the uncommon concept of disciple making is being carried out in an astonishing way. It’s in the Central American country of Costa Rica. It’s called Casa Vidanet. My wife, Ernie, and I just spent a … Continue reading →

Posted in Costa Rica, disciple making, discipleship, Vidanet | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Wedding Ring and the Challenge to Be Faithful

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Steve Simms

I was asked, “What is the oldest thing you’re wearing today?” It’s my wedding ring which is a symbol of love and commitment. Its a challenge and constant reminder to be faithful to live out and demonstrate the love I … Continue reading →

Posted in challenges, Christian challenge, discipleship, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Training to be Fruitful

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Steve Simms

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” (1 John 3:11) Let’s do it now. Christ-followers let’s train to love better every time we gather. It’s not enough just to hear more sermons … Continue reading →

Posted in disciple making, discipleship, leadership training, spiritual training | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Love to See Discipleship

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Steve Simms

A disciple-developing church is much more powerful than an audience-attracting church. Yet, disciple-developing churches are extremely rare. Too many Christians want self-gratification more than they want Christ’s inner transformation. (Romans 12:2) A discipleship church produces Spirit-led Christ-followers not mere service … Continue reading →

Posted in disciple making, discipleship, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’d Tell Teenage Me How to Effectively Learn a Language

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Steve Simms

The most effective way to learn a language is by immersion into the language, not by forcing yourself to study it, memorize vocabulary, and obey grammar rules. That’s how we learned our mother tongue. We first caught it by hearing … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, education, learning environment, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Don’t Have Freedom of Speech

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Steve Simms

I don’t have the freedom of speech. When something happens, I’ve been told to express gratitude. I’ve been told to say it out loud and say it to a crowd. I’ve been told to verbally express thanks not only to … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, freedom, freedom of speech | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christians Need Training to be Spirit-Led Soldiers of Love

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Steve Simms

Armies don’t teach their soldiers to simply sit and listen. They give them hands-on training in giving their all (even their very lives) in battle. Churches could learn a lot from the world’s armies and begin using Sunday mornings to … Continue reading →

Posted in disciple making, discipleship, Onward Christian Soldiers, Salvation Army soldiers | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’m a Disciple of This Historical Figure

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Steve Simms

The process of shifting from self-focus to Christ-focus–from a self-centered life to a Christ-centered life is called discipleship. Discipleship is to come out of hiding and to learn to fully open your heart and life to the presence, power, and … Continue reading →

Posted in cost of discipleship, disciple making, discipleship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The First Impression I Want to Make on People Is “That Guy Really Loves Jesus!”

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Steve Simms

People need to see people who love Jesus with all of their heart. Those people live and radiate Christ’s presence all around the world. Physically they look like ordinary people, but if you closely look into their heart, you notice … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, evangelism, first impressions, lifestyle evangelism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Pruning and the Fertilizing Produce Wonderful Fruit

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Steve Simms

My daily routine includes cultivating my character. I try to nurture these qualities in my daily life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s not easy being like a fruit tree and traying to cultivate the … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, fruit of the Spirit, spiritual fruit, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment