Category Archives: support groups

Waking Up on Encouragement Time

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Steve Simms

Discouragement seems to be the central standard time of life in the 21st century. It’s so widespread that it has turned into a growing mental health crisis around the world. Can discouragement be replaced with hope-filled encouragement? Yes, but it’s … Continue reading →

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Community Requires Openhearted Communication

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Steve Simms

Genuine community requires honest caring and openhearted communication. It can’t be built on trivial talk that hides what’s really going on inside people’s heart. Without heart-felt community people tend to shut down tender, caring communication. Instead, they mainly talk about … Continue reading →

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Have we systematized Christ’s symphony?

Posted on August 13, 2017 by Steve Simms

Jesus wants to conduct His symphony through an orchestra of ordinary people that the Bible calls, the body of Christ. Church gives the risen Jesus more opportunities to be the Conductor when everybody present is free to speak as prompted … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-fold ministry, body of Christ, call to ministry, Christian ministry, Christian support group, church reform, conductor, Ephesians 4, Jesus as a conductor, John Milton, ministry, ministry of the Spirit, New Testament, Ralph Waldo Emerson, support groups, Uncategorized, worship | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

95 Theses 4 Reformation #3 (& other thoughts)

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Steve Simms

95 Theses 4 Reformation #3: Let people interrupt as led by the Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 14:30-31. Here are a few more thoughts to inspire reformation: Open sharing in church can help reach people who want interactive community, mutual … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Denominations, Christian support group, church, God, Let the redeemed of the Lord, miracles, revelation, support groups, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

ABCs of Beyond Church

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Steve Simms

Assembly of God Body of Christ Christ’s city council Dependence on Jesus Ekklesia Family of God God-gatherings Hooked on Christ In Jesus’ name Jesus is the Head Kingdom of God Life together Meeting with Jesus New creatures in Christ Orchestrated … Continue reading →

Posted in changes in worship, Christian community, Christian support group, Christian unity, church teams, Friends' worship, leading worship, new creature, Quaker worship, recovery groups, silent worship, support groups, Team Jesus, the heart of worship, Uncategorized, unconventional worship, worship innovation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lord’s Prayer in bite size bits

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Steve Simms

“Our Father,” Jesus invites us to be sons & daughters of God. “In Heaven,” a holy & pure dimension of existence beyond the physical realm. “Hallowed be Your Name,” may His name release holy astonishment in all who hear it. … Continue reading →

Posted in AA, AA meetings, Alcoholics Anonymous, Amen, daily bread, eternity, Father in Heaven, forgive us our trespasses, glory of God, God's power, kingdom come, kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven, kingdom values, NA, NA meetings, Narcotics Anonymous, support groups, Thy will be done, Uncategorized, will be done on earth as it is in Heaven | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Beyond “services” to meetings . . .

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Steve Simms

It’s time to let God go & let Him take control both of your life & of His gathered people. Churches have services; but ekklesia & AA & NA & Al-Anon have meetings. Practicing the presence of God by yourself … Continue reading →

Posted in AA meetings, Al-Anon, alcohol rehab, Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism, Berry Street, body of Christ, celebrate recovery, Christ-centered recovery, Christian meetings, Christian recovery, Christian support group, church meetings, class meetings, effective meetings, NA meetings, organic chruch, recovery groups, recovery quotes, religious meetings, support groups, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making lovely places in your life

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Steve Simms

I can’t make human society a lovely place; but with Jesus’ help I can make my own mind and heart lovely places. Let Jesus’ presence & power open like a flower in your life. A flower flows with inner life. … Continue reading →

Posted in celebrate recovery, community, community building, community organizer, design flexibility, how to create community, Howard Thurman, inner healing, inner peace, open forum, overcoming addiction, peace of mind, recovery groups, recovery quotes, support groups, testimony, town meeting, Uncategorized, word of their testimony | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bottom line & personal (the real deal)

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Steve Simms

The real “bottom line” is your spiritual condition, not your financial condition. You’re true “net worth” is what you possess after everything material is gone. Pursuing Jesus is a game changer. Life’s never the same when you put Him first. … Continue reading →

Posted in choice of lifestyle, Christian, Christian blogs, church, ecosystem, group dynamics, lifestyles, money, organic chruch, small groups, spiritual visions, support groups, theology, Uncategorized, vision | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Are you happy now?

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Steve Simms

Self-focus forfeits happiness. Asking, “Am I happy?” opens the door to unhappiness. A key ingredient in the pursuit of happiness is self-forgetting. You are the one who is painting the canvas of your life. How you doing with it? Could … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian support group, ekklesias, hope, hope in Christ, house church, organic chuch, organic church, recovery groups, self-denial, self-focus, self-forgetting, simple church, support groups, Train yourself unto godliness., training, Uncategorized, unchurching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment