Luke Simmons @lukedsimmons Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Luke Simmons

@lukedsimmons

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Pastor, • I share tools and threads to help pastors be faithful & fruitful for the long haul.

Queen Creek, AZ

https://t.co/xhtayismn1

Joined March 2009

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

I use this app to help pastors be Faithful and Fruitful. If you're new, here is the "library" of threads & long-form posts that seem to have helped the most people (I'll add to it over time). Follow me @lukedsimmons & let me know if there's something I should write about. 👇

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

A 14 year-old boy in our church was in a bad accident on a mini dirt bike, suffered a severe brain injury, & has passed away. Our church family is hurting. 💔 Would appreciate your prayers for comfort and for open hearts as we love youth in & beyond our church through this.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Five small changes most churches could make on Sundays that would make a surprising difference: 1. At most, make one announcement. Leaders think they have to announce everything so that people will know about it and participate. But instead, they end up overwhelmed and bored.

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Luke Simmons

2 months

A family member said the drag queen Olympic opening ceremony made her want to puke. She asked for my thoughts. Here’s what I told her: 1. It shows that Christianity is true — the powers & principalities aren’t interested in mocking other religions because they aren’t real.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Preachers, still looking for some insight for your Easter sermon? Here are my 15 all-time favorite Easter quotes:

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Churches notoriously try to do too much. I coach church planters to focus on these 4 things: 1. Sunday services 2. Kids ministry 3. Groups 4. Leadership development Once those would all get an "A" grade, then consider adding something new.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

If you're a pastor, all that's expected is: catalytic leader + profound speaker + effective manager + personal shepherd + capable counselor + spiritual pillar + ideal friend Can't do it all? You weren't meant to. Instead: relax, invest in a team, & be who God made you to be.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

2 years

Wow. Every preacher has felt this way. Look at what the preacher who kicked off the Asbury thing thought about his sermon. I love the foolishness of preaching! Preachers, take heart! God has been using our stinker sermons for his glory for 2,000 years!

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

I listened to Andy Stanley's sermon from Sunday explaining the conference they hosted and their approach to ministry to same-sex attracted & gay people (and their families). Some of it was really great. And some of it was really dangerous. Some reflections on both... Stanley

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

@David_Fairchild Whoa! That's awesome, David. What a beautiful testimony of the power and grace of God. "This never happens." With God, things that never happen start sometimes happening!

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

Hey Pastor, in a world never short of controversy let’s keep our eye on the ball: - Call a hurting church member - Spend time with a young leader - Write a note of gratitude - Study hard for an upcoming sermon - Pray to the God of the harvest We have good kingdom work to do.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Made a big announcement at church yesterday... thought I'd share. Redemption Church Arizona will move from a single entity, multi-congregational model to ten independent churches. The congregation I lead (Gateway) will become Ironwood Church in January on our 15th anniversary

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

An annual exercise that will strengthen your church: 1. Ask your team for names of their top 3-5 volunteers (best group leaders, kids volunteers, youth workers, top givers, etc.) 2. Schedule 1:1 lunches & coffees with each 3. Thank them, ask what ?s they have, & pray for them

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Luke Simmons

1 month

@LowerLeavell I don't think it will be your fault (probably 😉) I'm more intrigued by why one very important issue overshadows a bunch of other important issues I'm also pro-life, but I'm anti-a-bunch-of-other-stuff-that-feels-important-to-stop

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Luke Simmons

10 months

I think church systems are important, and many churches struggle because they don't develop them. But... never forget that the Bible's core analogies for ministry are agricultural, not mechanistic. Pastors are farmers: sowing, watering, waiting. God may just bring a harvest.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 month

Good pastors do not have time for: 1. saying yes to every request 2. bad, rambling meetings 3. internet controversies 4. getting triangulated by staff drama 5. constant tweaking strategy 6. neglecting exercise 7. spending more than 15 hrs on sermon prep

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

"Church growth isn't everything." True. But I do want: • Members to invite friends • Students reached who bring their parents • Compelling worship services • Tenacious disciple-makers • Evangelistic conversations • People to meet Jesus And churches like that... grow.

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Luke Simmons

2 months

We tend to think of “youthful passions” as sexual sin. But look where Paul goes with the idea: “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace… Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” (2 Tim 2:22-23)

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

14 days

I was converted to Christ at 17 years old. My heart was changed, my sin was forgiven, and I was given new life in Jesus. I'm now 44. I've had 4 massive paradigm-shifts in the years between — so big and life-changing that each one was almost like another "conversion." 🧵

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Luke Simmons

10 months

Want your church to grow in 2024? Create written plans for these 3 questions: 1. How will somebody move from being a 1st time guest to a committed volunteer? 2. What can we eliminate that makes people hesitant to invite friends? 3. How will I pursue growth? (as a lead pastor)

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Luke Simmons

1 year

Andy Stanley has championed clarity and intentional communication more than any church leader I know. So when he’s being confusing and contradictory — it’s not an accident.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Domineering leadership starts small. Be on guard against: 1. Interrupting people in conversation. 2. Winning through force of personality. 3. Expecting perfection from staff. 4. Weaponizing friendliness. 5. Accepting the pedestal.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Don't overthink Leadership Development. 1. Invite a small group 2. Make it costly (early AM, $, serving) 3. Do it short-term (8-12 wks) 4. Pick content that lights you up (doesn't matter what) or ministry case studies 5. Be real & generous w/ yourself A little goes a long way.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

3 months

20 years ago today I began in full-time ministry. It was a dream come true. And it's been a wild ride. HERE ARE 20 REFLECTIONS ON 20 YEARS OF MINISTRY (and they're fairly random): 1. Everything hinges on your spiritual health, and you are responsible for it. The #1 job is to

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Luke Simmons

1 month

Popular myths among pastors & churches: 1. Healthy things grow 2. Small groups are essential for making disciples 3. Churches don't need buildings 4. A church shouldn't run like a business 5. If we have godly leaders, that's enough Why these aren't quite right: 🧵

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Luke Simmons

1 year

Pastors must always be authentic, but not always transparent Authenticity = people experiencing the TRUE you — required in every interaction Transparency = people experiencing the FULL you — only given when appropriate & wise Inauthenticity or over-transparency are dangerous

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Luke Simmons

1 year

I've made a bunch of mistakes in leading a church staff. One of the biggest is tolerating a lack of clarity. Some thoughts for pastors on the problems this creates and how to fix them: 🧵

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Luke Simmons

9 months

This past week was 15 years since planting our church. It's been a wild ride — mostly really great. We've done some things well and had plenty of "learned it the hard way." 15 LESSONS ON CHURCH PLANTING & PASTORING FROM THE LAST 15 YEARS: 1. Don't launch a church plant

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Amen! 🎄Merry Christmas! 🎄

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

Preachers, consider putting Revelation on your upcoming preaching calendar. We did it this fall in 11-weeks and I loved it! My takeaways from preaching Revelation: 1. It's an attractional series. It's good to sprinkle in some "come and see" series through the year, and this

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Luke Simmons

2 months

When you plant a church or become a lead pastor, it's crazy how much more you have to consider financial realities. And most of us weren't taught much about it. 25 LESSONS ABOUT MONEY & CHURCH LEADERSHIP: 1. Generosity begins in the heart of the pastor. If you don’t give

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Incredible day yesterday at church. 15 people were baptized & shared incredible stories: • a previous felon • a woman clean after 13 years of addiction • a special needs adult • a former LDS • a long-time casual Christian who came to faith through a young man • some

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Pastors, are you tired of people ignoring your church's emails? Our church's open rate went from 37% → 60% in last few years. This means more people hearing vision, knowing about events, & engaging in ministry. How to write emails people will actually read:

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Pastors are often intimidated by “systems.” Here are 5 that make a real difference that any church can build: 1. Newcomer email sequence 2. Guiding families to kids’ drop-off 3. Thanking first-time givers 4. Leveraging a preaching calendar 5. Email newsletter for regulars

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

7 months

I’m starting sabbatical this week — some have asked my plans and approach, so I’ll share. (My church responsibilities are already concluded; I have a remaining speaking engagement on the next two days and then it begins in full) Here’s the plan: 1. It’s a 14-week sabbatical —

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Luke Simmons

1 year

I freaking love church planters. The guts. The risk. The labor. The vulnerability. Lots of folks want to be part of a good church. Planters step up and say, "I'll give it a shot at trying to start one." 👏👏👏

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Luke Simmons

1 year

What separates the best preachers from everyone else? Regardless of background, tradition, personality, ethnicity, or level of fame, they all have something in common. The best preachers consistently close these 7 gaps:

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Should pastors know how much people give? Here I'll share two common approaches and then suggest an alternative that works for me. [I'm working to help pastors of good faith. I have in mind godly pastors who want to shepherd well — who want to be, as I say, "faithful and

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Luke Simmons

9 months

Today Molly and I celebrate our 22nd anniversary. Half my life has now been married to her. What a precious gift!

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Luke Simmons

2 months

"Big Eva" is an odd phrase to describe a relatively small slice of American evangelicalism (the YRR/TGC tribe). Guys like Carey Nieuwhof, Craig Groeschel, Steven Furtick, Judah Smith, etc. have WAY MORE INFLUENCE on churches than the ERLC, JD Greear, Tim Keller, or David Platt.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Genesis ends with Joseph’s death. Deuteronomy ends with Moses’s death. Joshua ends with Joshua’s death. The Gospels end with Jesus’s resurrection. And that changes everything. @TonyMerida

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

8 months

A simple but overlooked trait of pastors in growing churches: They make things MAKE SENSE. Bible, theology, how to connect with God, how to engage in church, why we do what we do, etc — If you help make sense of things for people, they'll want more & they'll invite friends.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Of all that Tim Keller wrote on church leadership, this has been among the most important things I've had to accept & embrace.

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Luke Simmons

10 months

When it comes to church leadership, I believe both of these things with all my heart. 1. Vibrant churches have one clear senior leader. 2. Vibrant churches have real plurality of leaders who shape things. Remove either and the church will almost always struggle.

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Luke Simmons

2 years

If I were looking for a new church, I would definitely ask these 5 unusual questions:

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Luke Simmons

1 year

Love that @AJWTheology listened to his fun friends and wore this to talk about his book on 1776 being an origin story for the post-Christian west.

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Luke Simmons

11 months

This Reformation Day: Let every preacher make these 5 commitments. I will: 1. Find my life in Jesus, not ministry 2. Unapologetically proclaim the Scriptures 3. Make Jesus the hero of my sermons, not me 4. Work hard to keep their attention 5. Enjoy Jesus in front of people

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Luke Simmons

8 months

Preaching on giving? Most people do "3S Giving": spontaneous, sporadic, sparing We encourage "3P Giving": priority, percentage, progressing

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Luke Simmons

1 year

The incarnation means he became like us. The resurrection means we’ll become like him. @DanDeWitt

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Luke Simmons

9 months

How do you know if you’re called to ministry? 1. Internal desire — you want it 2. External affirmation — those around you affirm it (especially elders) 3. Opportunity — there is an open door (or could be with some exploration) If any of these are missing, you’re not called.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Good questions emerging about church announcements. We only announce if: 1. It impacts 50%+ of church 2. It’s especially related to vision 3. It’s the next step for new people Most stuff never gets stage announced. Have to set expectations & endure leaders’ disappointment.

@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

Five small changes most churches could make on Sundays that would make a surprising difference: 1. At most, make one announcement. Leaders think they have to announce everything so that people will know about it and participate. But instead, they end up overwhelmed and bored.

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Luke Simmons

8 months

Many people's #1 thing they want from their church: "Help me understand the Bible." How to do it: • Preach expository sermons • Create a "Bible fluency" class that unfolds the big picture story • Provide opportunities for deep Bible study for those who want it

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Luke Simmons

8 months

A great leadership thought exercise is the "Apollo 13 Table." How do we get what we need with what we already have? Don't be seduced into thinking that creative solutions come from more money, staff, or resources. It's often the opposite.

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Luke Simmons

1 year

A pastor I coach wisely identified “driving culture” as one of his top priorities in leading the church. After all, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast" (Drucker) But HOW? We drilled down & identified 5 activities that help pastors cultivate their culture: 🧵

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Luke Simmons

7 months

Not every sermon illustration has to be 4-minute, drawn-out story. Word pictures and quick mental images are sometimes just as good.

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Luke Simmons

2 years

There was no discernible revival unleashed at church today. Still a very sweet day. We: • loved one another • enjoyed the Lord’s Supper • heralded the goodness of God • recited the Nicene Creed • sang with passion I’m grateful for ordinary grace, even as I long for more.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Five decisions every pastor should make: 1. To prioritize your connection with Jesus above all else. 2. To let the church feel cheated before your family. 3. That you are not God and will not try to be. 4. To put your oxygen mask on first. 5. To cultivate real friendships.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

What helps me: 1. Not feeling the need to show all my work (exposition ≠ showing exegesis) 2. Avoiding repetition (making same points different ways) 3. Punchy introduction (not drawn out) 4. Reducing cross-references (not making each sermon a systematic theology)

@WJ_Bassett

Will Bassett

10 months

Pastor, what has helped you most to shorten your sermon length while not losing: 1. Faithful Exposition of the text? 2. Doctrinal Content? 3. Engaging Communication (e.g. illustrations, transitions, humour, etc.)?

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

25 days

Being bold & mean is dime-a-dozen. But be bold & kind… unshakably bold & undeservedly kind… now I’m intrigued. I might even ask for the reason for the hope that’s in you.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

My opinion: Worship services in December should have no more than 2 Christmas songs (except Christmas Eve should be 100%) What say you?

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Luke Simmons

8 months

Don't overthink what is required for spiritual growth. Here's what's we all need: 1. Truth — God's word shaping our minds & hearts 2. Touch — meaningful relationships & care 3. Tension — pressure, suffering, difficulty, & trials 4. Time — can't be microwaved

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

2 years

Every pastor I've ever coached eventually asks, "How do you handle being in a small group as the lead pastor?" Here's why it's a fair question and how I respond:

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

As a preacher on Christmas Eve, I'm trying to do these things: 1. Make those who invited a friend glad they did 2. Make those who didn't invite a friend wish they had 3. Give kids a fun experience of church 4. Preach a clear gospel 5. Enjoy Jesus in front of everyone

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

3 commitments for leaders of staff/teams: 1. I will love first, lead second, but always do both. 2. I will remember that the greatest issue in my leadership is not usually knowledge but courage. 3. I will take full responsibility for the health and effectiveness of the team.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

This is why pastors shouldn’t feel bad for inviting people to serve. It just might change their life. (h/t: @Seth_Troutt )

@MichaelRWear

Michael Wear

10 months

What an incredibly powerful video

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Luke Simmons

9 months

There seem to be more young church leaders who don't want to be a senior pastor. Maybe it's a lack of confidence (or the presence of wisdom), but I think more young pastors should aspire to it. 7 things I love about being a senior pastor: 1. Cultivating a healthy church

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

Not all extended time off should be called "sabbatical." Better to call things what they are: • Study Leave — for writing/research • Leave of Absence — to handle something personal • Suspension — disciplinary • Sabbatical — intentional rest & recalibration

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

Somebody asked for advice on preaching on Christmas Eve. My suggestions: • Don't try to get too clever or deep. The best Christmas Eve sermon I've ever done was on John 3:16. Next was Luke 2:10 (easiest three points out there: good news...of great joy...for all the people).

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

Perhaps the greatest blessing of being a pastor is that some people pray for me and my family every single day. Wow.

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Luke Simmons

8 months

Pastors are told to continually cast vision since "vision leaks." But how? You can only preach a vision sermon every so often. 5 under-appreciated ways for pastors to cast vision: 🧵

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

One challenge for leaders is to be 100% authentic with everyone without being 100% vulnerable with everyone. Leaders always have more info & carry more burdens—and must not share w/ everyone. Even "How are you doing?" becomes a tricky question. Needs both honesty & discretion.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

Elder teams have to inhabit the tension between these two dynamics: 1. They should largely support the lead pastor, desire to follow his vision, & be there to encourage him. 2. They should also be willing and able to hold him accountable & be willing to push back.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 month

If you are a lead pastor and everything in your church is organized the way you like it... You're either a church planter in the first 6 months or you're not a very good leader.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

3 months

Early in the week, most pastors evaluate the previous Sunday's services. We usually review transitions, song choices, announcements, etc. And we should (if we want to improve). But here are 5 more-important church service evaluation questions for a pastor to answer: 1. How

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

7 months

Was asked for best practices when opening a sermon... here goes. Great sermons assume people aren't super interested and do the work to grab their attention. THE INTRODUCTION IS DOING TWO KEY THINGS: 1) Subtly demonstrating we can be trusted enough for people to take this

@mitchtidwell

Mitch Tidwell

7 months

@lukedsimmons what advice would you give on best practices when opening a sermon? And does this change if you are in front of a new audience that is not familiar with you?

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Luke Simmons

11 months

Refrain from folks who dislike large churches: "Churches should plant so they don't get so big." My answer: a) Why not do both? b) Good planters are rare c) You can't make people leave d) A growing church will keep growing e) Planting is for evangelism, not growth management

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

3 months

Visiting people in the hospital is a common part of ministry, but it’s easy to accidentally do it wrong. 10 ways to not screw up a hospital visit: 🧵

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

On January 7th, our church will celebrate our 15th anniversary with a new name: Ironwood Church. Here's our new logo and three things I love about it. 1. It is a tree from above — as though from God’s perspective. Ultimately, what God thinks of our church is what matters most.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Friends matter. Yesterday I was so discouraged. -One expressed concern, made eye-contact, & hugged me -One called to offer to hang out -I texted others & they prayed -Went to small group, though I didn't feel like it. We ate & laughed Went to bed hopeful. Friends matter.

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Luke Simmons

1 year

@shane_pruitt78 Thanks for continuing to post about Titus. It honors him, it helps you grieve, and it offers us a vision of Jesus’ kingdom.

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Luke Simmons

11 months

When a church grows, it’s hard on relationships because people start losing: 1. Proximity 2. Preferences 3. Power 4. Prestige Great people start feeling scared. A pastor can’t be held hostage by it, but people need to know that he sees it and cares.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Four weeks into preaching Revelation and I think that perhaps Christians are not nearly political enough. Not partisan — where we give our loyalty to different versions of Babylon. But political — unwavering allegiance to “Jesus Christ... ruler of kings on earth” (Rev. 1:5)

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

Whenever I meet somebody who newer to our church, I always ask two questions: 1. When you came the 1st time, why did you come? 2. When you came the 2nd time, why did you come back? The cumulative answers to these questions will tell you SO MUCH.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

1 year

A question I love to ask church planters: “Have you ever been part of a church that is like what you want to plant?” Most haven’t. It shows—especially in terms of pastoral health and longevity. Better to slow down & spend a season in an environment that’s worth replicating.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

10 months

People often get placed in leadership because they are great at doing. But being a great doer will keep you from being a great leader — because the best leaders aren't the best at doing but at delegating. Classic example of "what got you here won't get you there."

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

21 days

People like to say that once a church grows to a certain size "now it's time to plant." Baloney. Church planting is not a size-management strategy (because you can't make people leave). Plant only when you have a gifted, high-character man who can reach lost people.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

11 months

My new favorite definition of a Christian: “It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” (Revelation 14:4)

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

“In Christ Alone” may be the perfect worship song.

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

18 days

Pastors feel like we need to know-it-all, fix-it-all, & be everywhere-for-everyone. There are words for this: omniscience, omnipotence, & omnipresence. It's not a description of a pastor — it’s a description of God. We should stop trying to be him. (ht: @ZackEswine )

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

2 years

How can pastors survive this high-pressure world, stay sane, avoid burnout, and prioritize what matters? An underutilized tool: The Personal Retreat Day Here's how to get started: 🧵

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@lukedsimmons

Luke Simmons

9 months

“Love you guys. This really sucks.” The departing words of one of our elders after a meeting where we’re navigating some painful shepherding situations. Kind of sums up the work of elders. Love each other & the flock while leaning into a bunch of suck.

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Luke Simmons

11 months

@mattpat1 Hard to call it a trend when Chandler has preached like that for years. I encourage preachers to find the most passionate version of their true personality and let it come out in the parts of the sermon where they’re sharing the most important truths.

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Luke Simmons

9 months

One thing I’d definitely look for in a church was one that practiced church discipline. It’s certainly the worst part of an elder team’s job. Therefore, willingness to do it is a sign that leadership submits to the authority of the Scriptures — even when it’s hard.

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Luke Simmons

11 months

Few things as fun as watching my wife drop dimes…

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Luke Simmons

1 year

Jesus didn't say, "I am finished." He said, "It is finished." He was just getting started. @drtonyevans

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Luke Simmons

2 years

I've heard way too many preachers who USE the Bible instead of PREACHING the Bible. How to tell if you're actually preaching the Bible:

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Luke Simmons

3 months

On Monday, our church got a very bad 1-star review on Google from a first-time guest (we dropped the ball in a half-dozen ways). I was able to get her number, call, and find out more. I was tempted to defend, but decided to learn instead. Let failure be your teacher.

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Luke Simmons

9 months

7 ways to engage kids with your Christmas Eve sermon: 1. Show a photo of you as a kid 2. Tell a story involving a kid or animal 3. Ask interactive questions 4. Trivia 5. Slightly exaggerate your body language 6. Address them directly: "Kids..." 7. Mention stuff from their world

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Luke Simmons

9 months

Ever notice that smart people sometimes say really dumb things? Pastors aren't exempt. It's stuff that sounds smart or holy at first. But on further review... it's just dumb. 7 dumb things that smart pastors say: 🧵

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Luke Simmons

2 years

The faith of our middle & high school students is in crisis. Six major problems — and what pastors can do about it:

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