Category Archives: simple church

The Phantom Commandment Challenge — Church Without A 1-Man Sermon?

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Steve Simms

— The Phantom Commandment Challenge — The Phantom Commandment says: “Church shall contain a one-man sermon.” However, I can’t find it anywhere in the Bible.  Can you find the Phantom Commandment (or any statement that resembles it) in the Bible? It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Jonathan Hutton, Leonard Sweet, Meeting for Worship, ministers, ministry, one-man sermon, phantom, Quotations, Richmond P. Miller, Ryan Bolger, sermon, sermon-free, sermon-hearing, sermons, silence, silent worship, simple church, Thom Schultz | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Problem In Participatory/Organic Church — Someone Repeatedly Talking Too Much

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Steve Simms

One potential problem in participatory church is one person taking too much time by repeatedly talking too much and drawing attention to herself/himself.  This can be a major distraction in a meeting and can hinder what God wants to do. … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends meeting, Friends' worship, guidelines, open church, open mic, order of worship, participatory culture, Quaker meetings, Quaker worship, Quakerism, Quakers, Salvation Army, Salvation Army church, simple church, steps to, testifying, testimonies, testimonies in church, testimony, unprogrammed church, unprogrammed meeting | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

One Good Quote Deserves Another (Moving From Human Control To The Spirit’s Control)

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Steve Simms

Seeing this quote on Facebook & Twitter: UnlikeUnlike · · Share · @jimknaggs on Twitter Jim Knaggs ‏@jimknaggs 18h18 hours ago “When leaders put control into the hands of their people, at all levels, they unlock incalculable potential.” – Dennis … Continue reading →

Posted in book, Christianity, church leadership, contemporary church, control, leaders, led by the Spirit, open church, open mic, order of worship, organic church, participatory church, potential, quotation, Quotations, quote, simple church, unprogrammed church, unscripted church | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Community, Spiritual Combat, & Brain Chemistry

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Steve Simms

Two things that can change your cranium (brain) chemistry:  1) Experiencing church as caring community (like a support group); and 2) Consistent combat against your spiritual enemies. When the church gathers, the Holy Spirit wants to freely circulate among us like … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 John 4:18, Bible concepts, Bible quotes, church, community, organic church, perfect love casts out fear, Philippians 4:8, Quotations, Quotes, simple church, spiritual warfare, support group, think on these things, Whatsoever things are true | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A First Time Visitor Writes About The Salvation Army Berry Street

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Steve Simms

–A First Time Visitor Last Sunday Talks About His Berry St. Experience!— “We were blessed to attend Berry Street Salvation Army. This is a church which operates totally at the Holy Spirits bidding. We experienced an overwhelming ministry of love … Continue reading →

Posted in participatory church, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, simple church, testimonies, testimonies in church, testimony | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

Live Like Hell? Or March Into Hell For A Heavenly Cause?

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Steve Simms

Why live like Hell when you can have a life of peace, joy, love and contentment? When the inner me runs wild, I become my enemy.  When I let Christ control me, I experience His glory.  Activism can sometimes change … Continue reading →

Posted in business speakers, Don Quixote, impossible dream lyrics, injustice, justice, management consultants, Nashville, open church, open mic, open mic church, participation, participatory church, right conduct, right living, righteousness, Salvation Army, self-destruction, self-hate, self-surrender, simple church, the impossible dream, we have seen the enemy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Reality Church

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Steve Simms

Reality church!  Forget about reality TV: Experience reality church, where everyday people show and tell what God has done. “Why watch reality TV when I can just open my blinds and look out my window to all the reality I … Continue reading →

Posted in Jarod Kintz, Looking unto Jesus, Naveen Andrews, open church, open mic church, organic church, quotation, quote, Quotes, Salvation Army, Salvation Army Berry Street, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Nashville, screenwriters, simple church, television | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

America has lots of talk radio — perhaps we need talk church!

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Steve Simms

If people are not allowed to talk about Jesus in church meetings how will they get the courage and confidence to talk about Jesus in secular settings? I don’t need to hear another talk about God in church.  I’ve heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, Berry Street Worship Center, BNA, East Nashville, multi-racial, multi-racial church, multi-voiced church, Music City, Nashville charity, Nashville church, non-church, open church, open mic, open mike, open sharing, order of worship, organic church, simple church, Spirit directed, Spirit prompting, Trevecca, Trevecca Nazarene University | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Soccer church? Or American football church?

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Steve Simms

  American football style church = the quarterback (pastor) is responsible for getting the ball (the Gospel) to others. Soccer style church = any player can move the ball and/or pass it to others.

Posted in church community, church format, church leadership, church meetings, church programs, church roles, church structure, interactive church, interactive learning, interactive sermons, interactivity, order of worship, organic church, participatory church, participatory sermons, pastor, quarterback, simple church | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Religion/Grace/Church Without Laymen

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Steve Simms

Religion asks: “What’s the least I can do and still go to Heaven?” —Recipients of grace ask: “What’s the most I can do to love, honor, serve, and obey the One who died on the Cross to save me from … Continue reading →

Posted in clergy, clergy/laity, clericalism, cross, equality, going to Heaven, grace, grace card, grace definition, grace of God, inequality, lay speakers, lay testimonies, layman, laymen, laywomen, open church, open forum, open mic, organic church, royal priesthood, simple church, sin, Spirit prompting | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments