Tag Archives: quotes

Better than a sermon?

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Steve Simms

What’s more effective than a sermon? Should a pastor be a sage on a stage or a guide along side? (See 1 Corinthians 14:26.) 100 sermons? We believe that instead of having people sit through 100 sermons, it’s much more … Continue reading →

Posted in 100 sermons, a sage on a stage, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, eloquence, guide by the side, Harvy Cox, immunity to sermons, Jen Halmaker, Nashville, one act of obedience, organic church, public discourse, Salvation Army, Seneca, sermon-hearing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Church — Educational or Mystical?

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Steve Simms

Historically church has been seen as educational –communicating concepts about God (especially since the Protestant Reformation). –Biblically church is seen as a mystical portal — presenting the actual presence of the living Christ. (“Where two or three gather in my … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian community, Christian education, Christian mysticism, Christian spirituality, Matthew 18:20, Nashville, organic church, Salvation Army, Tom Robbins, Where two are three are gathered | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Does Church Train People To Be?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Steve Simms

Two ways a church service can train people: 1) Church could train people to be passionate, prophetic, Spirit-prompted participators. 2) Instead church tends to train people to be silent, sedentary, subservient spectators. What is the church you attend training you to … Continue reading →

Posted in Apostle Paul, Beneath Two Flags, books, Charles Finney, evangelism, John Wesley, Martin Luther, Maud Booth, Nashville, organic chruch | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

The Inner Empire Strikes Back

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Steve Simms

When dark raiders and demonic invaders oppress the human mind, the inner empire of God strikes back with love, joy, and peace to defend the great wealth of spiritual and mental health. Which side are you fighting on? “We must … Continue reading →

Posted in French mystics, Louis Lallelmant, Paul of Tarsus, Serbian monks, Thaddeus of Victovnica | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Think, Question, & Boldly Post (Outside The Box) Like Luther Did!

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Steve Simms

In 1517 Martin Luther boldly posted words on a church door in Germany and started a world-wide spiritual revolution. Perhaps we can do the same by boldly posting on blogs, web sites, & social media.  (Check out my 95 Theses … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14, 95 theses, blog, facebook, John 7:38, Nashville, New Testament church, questioning church, Quotations, rivers of living water, Wittenberg Door | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Challenge For Pastors In 2015 #2 (Let the living Jesus lead a church meeting.)

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Steve Simms

Pastor Challenge 2015 #2 — Step aside and let the living Jesus lead at least 1 Sunday morning church meeting all by Himself. (Click here to see Pastor Challenge 2015 #1.) Here’s how:  1) Begin by reading 1 Corinthians 14:26 … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, Acts 2, Count von Zinzendorf, Ice Bucket Challenge, led by the Spirit, organic church, Pentecost, Quotations, revival, revival history, Second chapter of Acts, Spirit-led, spiritual awakening, WWJD?, Zinzendorf | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Collaborative Church — Participatory Worship For The 21st Century!

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Steve Simms

Collaborative Church? Collaborative church — a gathering of Christ-followers where everyday people collaborate with the living, resurrected Jesus Christ by sharing testimonies, prayer requests, gifts of the Spirit, encouraging words, Scriptures, songs, exhortations, etc., as prompted by the Holy Spirit; … Continue reading →

Posted in apologists, Berry Street, church collaboration, collaborative learning, God's presence, Great Commission, Music City, organic church, participatory church, simple church, spiritual growth, Vatican, Vatican City | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Volleyball is like participatory church — full of action!

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Steve Simms

Participatory church is like volleyball — full of action. The living Jesus Christ freely moves around the room and prompts individual people to respond to Him, releasing love, faith, passion, trust, confidence, belief, joyful smiles, and a sense of family … Continue reading →

Posted in Catherine Booth, church league volleyball, interactive church, multivoiced church, Quotations, see for yourself, taking turns, TN, volleyball league | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Catherine Booth Shows That Participatory/Organic Church Is In The Salvation Army DNA

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Steve Simms

Catherine Booth shows that participatory (organic) church is in the DNA of The Salvation Army: “People contend that we must have quiet, proper, decorous services. I say, Where is your authority for this? I defy any man to show it. … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14, alternative church, Armybarmy Blog, Berry Street, church, church services, Commissioner Barry Swanson, Hebrews 5:12, New Testament church, participatory church, Quotations, Stephen Court, Tennessee, testimony, unconventional church, you ought to be teachers | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Kingdom of God & The Inner Light

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Steve Simms

I woke up this morning with a new definition of “the kingdom of God” (one of Jesus’ favorite subjects) running through my mind: –All humans are called to follow and obey the inward King who rules on a throne of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ in you, Christian doctrine, Earlham College, early Quakers, Friends, Guilford College, hearing God, hearing Jesus, John 1:9, listening to God, love, on earth as it is in heaven, Quotations, Robert Barclay, spiritual leadings, spirituality, still small voice, the living Christ, There is one even Christ Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments