Author: Paul Simrell

The Reverend Paul W. Simrell has served for over thirty years in a variety of congregational and institutional settings. He is a recognized minister with standing in the Virginia region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada and is nationally endorsed by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for specialized ministry in both pastoral counseling and chaplaincy. Ordained in 1982, he has served congregations in Kentucky, Texas, Florida, and Virginia. He currently serves as the pastor of Elpis Christian Church, a small, historic congregation located just a few miles west of Richmond, Virginia. Elpis is the Greek word meaning “expectant hope.” He also serves on the associate clinical staff of the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care, Richmond, Virginia, both as a pastoral counselor and a ministerial assessment specialist, specializing in executive, clergy and relationship coaching. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and Lexington Theological Seminary and has done advanced clinical training in chaplaincy and pastoral counseling at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, Children’s Medical Center and Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas and the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care in Richmond, Virginia. He is a Certified Pastoral Counselor, an ACPE Practitioner, and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a Certified Facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich relationship assessment and skills-building program and served as a volunteer chaplain for over twenty years with the CJW Medical Center campuses in Richmond, Virginia. His avocational interests include playing the piano and drawing. He is very happily married to his wife Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell, a free-lance writer, who is also a Certified Facilitator for the Prepare-Enrich program.

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

More Than Money

As I wrote yesterday, we are exploring Luke’s account of how Jesus told stories with one main point – how God values the lost. Today’s passage speaks of a woman searching diligently for a lost coin – sweeping and sweeping until that precious money turns up. Of course, the point is really not just about… Continue reading More Than Money

Tell Me the Old, Old Story

It is interesting to note that at this point in Dr. Luke’s narrative we come to a series of stories that must have fascinated some listeners and confounded others: The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Parable of the Lost Coin The Parable of the Lost Son The Parable of the Shrewd Manager All the… Continue reading Tell Me the Old, Old Story

Counting the Cost

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound….” Those are, of course, the opening words of that beautiful and classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” They speak of how full, and compassionate, and wonderful – not to mention, amazing – God’s grace is for all of us. I don’t know how many times I have sung that hymn as… Continue reading Counting the Cost

Out of Order

It doesn’t make sense…not at first. It is the opposite of what the world would have us believe. “The last shall be first, and the first shall be last.” It’s all – seemingly – out of order. Our world would have us believe that only the tough, the powerful, the rich, the confident, the well-connected… Continue reading Out of Order

Set Free

With just about three weeks to Palm Sunday, we will be turning to Luke’s account of what has been called the Perean ministry of Jesus, referring to the area in which he ministered during the time prior to his heading to Jerusalem. Today’s passage of interest is Luke 13:10-17. It tells of how Jesus compassionately… Continue reading Set Free

Suffering with Others

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful – albeit somewhat disturbing – lecture. The lecturer spoke with great knowledge and sensitivity about those whom she helps. They are individuals who are deeply suffering as a result of various traumas and life experiences. In particular, those who have had their orientation in life shaken… Continue reading Suffering with Others

Being of the Same Mind

While discussing the meaning of the cross in our lives of faith our Lenten study class ran right into one of the most challenging of New Testament passages out there. Here it is, as presented in various translations: New International Version In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: New… Continue reading Being of the Same Mind

The Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross – what does that phrase mean to you? To some, it may bring immediately to mind a classic old hymn. To others, it may bring immediately to mind a form of cruel torture. It is odd how people sometimes react to talking about the cross. Some speak of it in glowing,… Continue reading The Old Rugged Cross