For much of the past decade, Simpson has been putting into practice the Family Systems theories of the late Dr. Edwin Friedman. Friedman's work, based on Bowen Theory of Family Process Theory, revolves around the notion that human beings organize themselves into "families" whenever they come together, particularly when they gather in groups as close as churches.  Simpson's key contribution to Family Systems thought is the idea that one key leader, committed to a clear vision of where the congregation should be going and undeterred by the resistance of opponents and supporters, can bring about the rebirth of a dying church.

     Simpson pastored the First Christian Church of Greensboro, North Carolina for eight years until December, 2000, when he accepted a call to Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. During his tenure, Union Avenue was among the most rapidly growing congregations in the Mid-America region in membership and program life. 

     Raised primarily in central Oklahoma, Mike graduated from Plano High School, Plano, Texas, in 1971. He holds the Doctor of Ministry in spiritual development from San Francisco Theological Seminary and the Master of Divinity in the Bible from Vanderbilt Divinity School. His Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude in philosophy, is from the University of North Texas. An author and consultant, Simpson was inducted into the Who's Who in Religion in 1984. 

     Mike is married to the former Nancy Lee Christianson. They have three children and one grandchild.