Category Archives: Uncategorized

Re-engaging Men…. starting in the home….

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Carl Simmons

David Murrow is back. Mostly. But perhaps some history is in order…. Even for someone like me, who loves men’s ministry but recoils violently at the thoughts of Promise Keepers and John Eldredge (huzZAH!), Why Men Hate Going to Church … Continue reading →

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Maybe We Should Just Go Read the Original Words Instead…

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Carl Simmons

As I’ve always said about Shane Claiborne: I may not agree with everything he says, but I’m glad there’s someone out there saying it. And Tony Campolo’s been eminently quotable for decades now. Plus, Claiborne was Campolo’s student at Eastern … Continue reading →

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Living as Though God Mattered

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Carl Simmons

I had to adjust my sights a bit, but after doing so was able to enjoy this book. Because really, there aren’t any secrets here, or even that much in the way of new insight. What this is, really, is “Stuff We … Continue reading →

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Love, Obedience, and Purity of Heart

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Carl Simmons

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the “upper room discourse” lately, in John 13-14 in particular so far. It’s an interesting section, since it’s one of the few where you really see Jesus interacting with His disciples collectively, … Continue reading →

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Who We Are, Where We’re Going, and How We Get There

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Carl Simmons

(or: How I Spent My Extended Summer Vacation, 2011 version) Buckle up, friends—this’un’s gonna be almost as autobiographical as informative. But the back story does inform the official one. So bear with me…. For the final 4 1/2 years I was … Continue reading →

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Gospel Identity: The Reviews Start Coming in….

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Originally posted on Confessions of a Futon Reformer:
At this year’s General Assembly of the PCA, I received a preview copy of New Growth Press’s small group materials. I was excited because I am a big fan of New Growth…

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A Remedy for Burnout

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Carl Simmons

“Life doesn’t start when you’re twenty, or when you’re forty. Life starts at Calvary. And that’s where fruitful service begins as well.” I’m still bothered trying to figure out exactly how much of this really happened and how much is … Continue reading →

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Lay It Down: A Re-Introduction

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Carl Simmons

(As many of you already know, I’m in a[nother] period of transition here. So, as I restructure—and as I rework the first draft of the next book—thought I’d reintroduce said book here. And if you’re new to all this and … Continue reading →

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Being the Church by Being There for Others

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Carl Simmons

“What does it take to influence someone to commit his or her life for Christ? How much effort must be put forth to impact a life for eternity?” asks church consultant Michael Wiles early on in these pages. His answer … Continue reading →

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So, Now What? (or, help a Christian brother OUT!)

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Carl Simmons

This post’s for me. But you can help. A lot. First, thank you for following along. With the last few entries earlier this week, I’ve completed the first draft of Lay It Down: The Life Jesus Has Always Wanted. It’s already … Continue reading →

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