Michael Simants

About Michael Simants

I lead Service Over Self in Memphis, where our work reflects a theological commitment to dwell faithfully with our neighbors and to participate in God’s renewal of both people and places. My approach to leadership grows out of Wesleyan theological method and its claim that Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience function as theological warrants within the life of the Church. I am interested in how these warrants shape the Church’s moral imagination and how they form practices that nurture genuine belonging.My doctoral research explores the intersection of Wesleyan theology, missiology, and lived practice. I study how Christian communities learn to tell the truth about their shared life and how local ministries can embody presence that heals rather than performs. This work provides the conceptual foundation for my broader project on Ecclesial Moral Repair and the habits that sustain honest, durable communion.My formation includes several years living in Turkey and more than fifteen years in mission work. These experiences convinced me that Christian love must be local, relational, and accountable to the neighborhoods in which it is practiced. At SOS, I work with a team that seeks to embody this love through home repair, youth development, and patient partnership with our neighbors.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Service Over Self

   Aug 2024 — Present · Memphis, TN, US

Education

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University

  Masters, Project Manager

  2006 — 2009

• Westark Community College

  None, Music

  1994 — 1996

• Cranmer Hall, St John’s College, Durham University

  Master of Arts, Theology and Ministry

• Oral Roberts University

  Bachelors, Music Composition

  1996 — 2002

• Durham University

  Doctor of Theology and Ministry, Wesleyan Theology

  2021

• Capella University

  PhD, Business

  2009 — 2012

Skills

• Process Improvement
• Team Building
• Performance Management
• Call Centers
• Time Management
• Quality Assurance
• Access
• Workforce Management
• Customer Experience
• Excel
• Telecommunications
• Analysis
• Vendor Management
• Scheduling
• Wireless
• Business Process
• Human Resources
• Problem Solving
• Call Center
• Operations Management
• Microsoft Office
• Account Management
• Vendor Relations
• Customer Relations
• Budgets
• Customer Satisfaction
• Strategic Planning
• Customer Retention
• Supervisory Skills
• Customer Service
• Business Analysis
• Mentoring
• Contract Negotiations
• Coaching
• Project Management
• Software Documentation
• Team Leadership
• Forecasting
• Leadership Development
• Outlook