Posts by Scott Shoopman
God’s Provision
For the past 3 years or so, our economy has suffered through one of the worst recessions and longest recessions that many of us remember – perhaps will ever remember. During times like this many people around us are experiencing stress and pressure at levels that can effect relationships and cause self-doubt.
I am one of several bi-vocational staff persons at The Bridge. I serve as the Small Groups Pastor but also have a Real Estate company. It is probably an understatement to say that the real estate market has been less than favorable during this season of recession. So where is this going???
The difference for believers at times like these, is the knowledge that we have a God that cares for us deeply. He wants the best for us, even when we do not know what that “best” really is in the long-term. Marianne and I have been recounting recently how many times we can look at events in our life and how God provided amazingly to meet the need. Even in times of great financial need, when God provides in small ways it does my heart good to be able to point to God and praise Him in the midst of the struggle.
What types of things am I talking about? A car repair that was far less $$ than imagined, a plumbing issue that I solved, another plumbing issue that has gone away, a computer issue that I fixed for $50!, and the list can go on. Some may not see these things as God’s intervention, His provision in our life, but I disagree. I have had times in my life when I wondered if God was really interested in the small things in my life, but over and over again He is faithful to show me that He cares. I am in awe that He does care, but more so that he cares for me even when I am not following Him as I should. God is faithful.
God continues to grow my faith, even when I am in the struggle, even when the answered prayer is not what I had imagined, even when… God is faithful.
What scripture do you run to in times of stress and trouble? Share it with us!
Read MoreReading deeper
Too often, I find myself reading the Bible much like I would read a good novel. You know what I mean… when I reread a novel, like Lord of the Rings, I read much faster than I read the first or second time. It is familiar. I still want to get the thrill from the read, but I can “surf” some of the information because I already know the story and don’t NEED the details like I did on my first read.
That works for novels, but for the Bible?? Maybe sometimes, but not as often as I “surf”!
At our Small Group last night we spent our time together working through an Inductive study method Josh has used and passed to me. Its simple, which works for me, and it makes me stop and internalize the message God has for me. I think our group enjoyed the study method and may use it as one of their study methods.
Below is a VERY short summary of Josh’s short method:
- Select a portion of scripture that’s not very long – 8-10 verses
- Have some paper or a journal ready
- Read through the passage selected
- On the top of one page, write “What Does it Say?” and make observations about the passage. (These should be focused on the scripture without interpretation)
- On another page, write “What Does it Mean?” – draw conclusions from the observations (Don’t gloss over things you don’t understand. This is precisely where the gold is hidden)
- On the last page, write “What is God Saying to Me?” – apply to yourself (Spend some time reflecting and praying over what you learned, asking God how He wants you to apply this Scripture to your life).
The last line, 6, is where the “rubber meets the road” and is what I miss when I simply read the Bible without stopping to read a bit deeper. Taking God’s word and applying it to our daily lives will do far more than all the theological debating. There is a time for deep theological study, but application should be our goal and is where I fall short most often.
Read MoreGospel in Life – Grace Changes Everything
I am totally excited about our upcoming Feature Series for our groups – Gospel in Life. The materials are in and new groups are forming. If you have not signed up for a group – DO IT!! We will begin the study the week of May 16th and all our groups will be focused on this one study.
An 8 week study… We REALLY want everyone to plug into the study and connect to a group. If you want to purchase a study guide, we have purchased a few – only $8 for YOU!!
Watch the video below for a bit more insight into the study.
Blessed with sacrifice
I am excited about many things at The Bridge, but none more than seeing the people God is leading into a sacrificial role of leadership in our Small Group ministry. We currently have 7 groups and that is super, but beginning this Sunday at 7:30 am we will begin the training for a new wave of leaders. Some will begin in the next month, some may remain in their groups for a few more months, but will be ready when the time is right for a new group(s) to start. All have agreed to assist the people at The Bridge find relationships that are meaningful and lasting, giving of their time and lives to share with others.
As we begin the training, I am interested in what you think a new group leader needs to learn or be intentional about. Post your comments below – this could be quite beneficial!
Just a couple of thoughts to get you started.
- they really need to be a good cook!!
- I need someone I can trust to provide good advise backed up by the Bible
- It would be great if I knew someone was praying for me during the week
What would you like to see in a Small Group Leader?
Read MoreNew Small Groups
A year or two ago I joined the Arbor Foundation and received 10 “trees” as a bonus for joining and donating about $10 I think. I planted the “trees” (2′ sticks really) into small clay pots and then buried them in our front flower bed. Most of them grew well in the environment we had created for them. Although they did not bloom as a mature tree, the growth was encouraging to watch. I just put these trees into a more permanent spot in our yard and hope this year will be a good year for their growth.
Benefits?
- Current environment (clay pots) were not beneficial to the tree’s long-term growth.
- Moving the trees to another environment will help them mature.
- The trees will be able to provide beauty to a larger area than just a small flower bed.
- As they mature, the trees will produce seeds that will grow more trees!!
At The Bridge, we are about to move into a season of growth, both in our physical environment and in our spiritual environment. Our physical surroundings are changing daily with God’s creation coming to life. In our spiritual environment we are sensing a change as well.
I have been meeting with some great guys the past two weeks to discuss our Small Groups. Mainly, how we can continue to meet the needs of our local body we call The Bridge and create the right environment for each person’s growth. Not unlike some of the trees, we have some groups that are “root bound” and need to be replanted so they can continue to grow and bloom.
Benefits?
- As groups multiply your connections increase.
- Fostering an open environment for guests at The Bridge within each group.
- Fresh perspectives on Bible discussions.
- Practicing the beginning of a Missional Lifestyle – calling over comfort.
We will have some exciting news about new groups starting very soon. This will allow everyone the opportunity to be a part of a community of grace and an environment that will help the spiritual grow and bloom. If you are not a part of a small group, let me know. It is our desire to see everyone in a group to grow Theologically, Relationally, and Missionally.
Scott Shoopman
Small Groups Pastor
More Information
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