Beyond Church: The Lost Word Of The Bible- Ekklesia

by Steve Simms

Have you ever wanted something more from your faith? More than religion? More than church? One lost and forgotten biblical word, "ekklesia," holds the key to a more vibrant and life-changing Christianity. --Modern English language Bibles quote Jesus as saying, "I will build My church." However, the earliest Bibles have Jesus saying, "I will build my ekklesia." For hundreds of years, this Bible word-switch has misdirected the way the body of Christ meets for worship. --So what does ekklesia mean? Ekklesia was the name of the city council in ancient Greek city-states. It was a democratic, interactive, participatory body of equal citizens sharing their concerns and needs with one another. --In the Western world, traditional church is in decline. Religious categories now include millions who are "Dones" (done with church) and "Nones" (have no church affiliation). --Perhaps it is time for more than church. Steve Simms invites you to go "beyond church" and experience ekklesia, HEAVEN's CITY COUNCIL, not as a theological concept, but as a practical and living reality. Compared to the preaching-industrial complex of modern western Christianity typified by 90 minutes of announcements worship Scripture preaching on a Sunday morning, we’re talking about revolution. We’re exhorting you to leave the conventional paradigm for the revolutionary paradigm. We’re inviting you to trade the incremental for the monumental. We’re introducing you to ekklesia. (Stephen Court-Toronto, 2015) I love Steve Simms' writing style and the way he has framed this important and foundational message. One word, ekklesia, opens the door to our identity and function as God originally intended. The recovery of this idea opens the way for the people of God to take their rightful place and pull more of heaven to earth. Love it! (Tom Griner, International evangelist & founder of Father's Heart International) I've had the privilege of seeing and experiencing 'ekklesia' in action because Steve Simms was willing to trust the Holy Spirit in each and every person in our gatherings. I'm so glad that Steve has written about this crucial subject in a way that appeals both to the logic and the heart. I know that the Holy Spirit wants so much more for His followers than 'church as usual' and I hope this book can be a road map to what's possible! I hope thousands and thousands of people read this and get set free from the religious box! God knew what he was doing when He led me to Berry Street. (Lara Landon, singer/songwriter/worship leader) Not only is Steve Simms' a master communicator and motivator, he is a man who passionately loves Jesus and His church. In Beyond Church, Steve calls all believers into a deeper understanding of church-life, while also educating, challenging, and encouraging us. I have watched this man at work. He invests his life in people. He exhibits grace and compassion, without ever apologizing for speaking the truth. His latest book is not only timely but crucial. It brims with wisdom, couched in real-life experience. Beyond Church moves past politics and hot-button issues, and awakens us to the vibrant life and possibilities of godly community. (Eric Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Fireproof) Beyond Church is a call to every true believer to return to the roots of what Church or " Ekklesia" really means. I urge you to dive into this masterful work with an open heart, and mind, and to prepare yourself to fully embrace what the Holy Ghost speaks to your heart. (David Harper, recording artist/songwriter/musicfromthecloset)

Genres: Christian

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2015

About the author

Out of the box thinker who loves to share creative and inspiring ideas.

Reviews

[Cinnamon Dickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a tough review. My rating is strictly for the book’s overall message which is an uncompromising rethinking of how Christians “do church” - we must restore God’s intended ekklesia. Two chapters stand out as most compelling. One makes a case for continual reformation (the Protestant Reformation reformed doctrine but the Church did not adequately reform its behavior to match) and the other offers clearly written steps to implement ekklesia. Very encouraging! From a technical standpoint (editing, flow, redundancy, etc) it has some issues but it also appears to be self-published so that gives it some margin for pardon. The book could probably be 1/2 its size without compromising content.

[Mark Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and exciting read

“Many churches in the West have been reduced to mere performances where the pastor puts on a show every week and the believers sit there as non-participating spectators.” – Brother Yun
This quote from the book sums up the problem at hand. Steve sets out to address this very well in a light hearted and encouraging way, showing what Church (Ekleasia) really looks like according to the New Testament pattern.

[jeff beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful

I am pleased to see another inspiring work on this forgotten topic. Although I hear where the author is coming from I hope that he as well as others will come to a fuller revelation of the EKKLESIA. WE do not have to be under a "church" to be the EKKLESIA. Jesus is our Head.
But I am again thankful our this writer and his insights. The quotes throughout the book are treasures as well. Blessings.

[Alycia Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book raises a concern that I have had for a long time. Though one of the qoutes in the book this one focuses on the west. The issue this book talks about is showy churches. Pastors are more concerned with getting a big crowd of people or big following they want to put in a show. When we should be focused on winning hearts for Christ. I do think a service should be interesting to the people however it's not about entertainment it's about education!

[Zack Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book

This book was one of the best books I have ever read on the purpose of the church. It is well written and insightful. In a day when most believers are disillusioned with the institutional church system, Pastor Simms shows the way forward.

[Reggie Byrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving Beyond The Normal

Steve Sims has his finger directly on the pulse of Ekklesia. This is one of those life-changing books that will challenge you to move beyond the “status quo” of Christianity and move into what God had originally intended in the first century.

[Susan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good points here. A lot of things to process. Has the potential to shift some paradigms, if read with an open mind and heart.

[Amy Orban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Simm's journey of longing after Jesus and his current, unusual ministry are both interesting and challenging. Whether or not we like it or want to admit it, our heavily-churched culture is failing to attract others with the sweet aroma of Jesus. We can love and cherish our churches, pastors, and denominations without turning a blind eye to the tremendous problems in our systems, many of which stem from running church like a business. I recommend this book to anyone who is weary of church, and anyone exploring the possibilities of what the new community of believers in Christ might have first looked like - and what we might yet still look like.