There is Only One Way to Fix Your Dead Church!

I am experiencing a personal resurrection in my daily walk with Jesus! I haven't even finished reading the book where I learned the idea. It's such a simple concept that it can be learned in moments. Because of the impact it is having on my life, I have decided to teach it to others as often as I am given the opportunity.

There is only one way to fix your dead church. And it is a joy! Let me tell you all about it. Then you can go do it. It's easy!

This past weekend, I taught the SOAP Bible Study method for the first time. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Halls Gap, Victoria, while watching the occasional Kangaroo mob hop past, I joined the Western Family Fellowship Camp for a weekend on the theme “Seeking the Lost.” We had one journaling time each day and two sermons on Sabbath.

During our three Bible journaling times, we explored the three stories in Luke 15. (I bet some of you guessed that already based on the theme!) The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son. Caz Hunger organised a welcome pack that included a beautiful journal, a pen, and a bar of soap to serve as a reminder! 

Each time we journaled, I introduced the SOAP concept (less each time) and told them where to find the Bible online and more about SOAP Studies. We then followed this pattern:

1. Read the entire passage (aloud from the front as they read along silently)

2. 15 minutes of SOAP Journalling time

3. Panel discussion 

4. Closing prayer

For the panel discussion, I set up three chairs with three mics. I then sat on one of the chairs and said something like this:

“Personal Bible study is God’s favourite way to speak to us. I know the Holy Spirit has been teaching you while you were journaling. Some of you have just learned or experienced something you want to share. Please come join me, and let’s share what we’ve written in our journals.”

All three times, the two chairs were filled, and wonderful conversations ensued. My wife said the primary reason this worked is that I affirmed what each person said, asked good questions and followed their lead with more depth. The panel discussion took about 10 minutes, and then we closed with a prayer. 

It was amazing to see what happened after we finished. All three times, people turned to each other and continued sharing their journals. There was a sense of transparency and honesty in the room, and people wanted to talk about their faith. It was beautiful!

During the weekend, numerous people talked to me privately about their spiritual journey and what the Holy Spirit showed them in their journaling time. Many people thanked me for teaching them the SOAP model. Through prayer and Bible study, people were joyfully revitalising their relationship with Jesus. I listened to many life stories and shared heartfelt tears with numerous people. Never has this happened when I just preach.

Since discovering SOAP Bible Journalling, I’ve started saying, “Don’t do Bible Studies. Study the Bible!” When we “do Bible Studies”, we usually follow a script of some sort. It leads us to prepared conclusions. When we study the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we discover wonderful things that are new and meaningful right now!

On the drive home from camp, I received a call from my Pastor. She said, due to the end-of-week Kids Club celebration, all the adult classes are combining this Sabbath, and she was hoping I could take a combined adult lesson. In a big church, this usually means a boring jug-to-mug sermonesque presentation. Not tomorrow! 

A new quarter starts this week. New Topic: Joshua. I have just begun SOAP Journalling my way through Joshua in my personal daily devotions, so I am ready! Feel free to read my daily SOAP studies, receive them via email daily by subscribing here.  

Tomorrow, I am going to teach all the adults at Lilydale church (usually 7 or 8 small groups) how to do SOAP Bible Studies while introducing the book of Joshua to them. If you live nearby, come join us! In Sabbath School, we will be following the same pattern I used at camp. Both the journaling and the panel discussion are very valuable. I’m not sure which I like better. Bible study and Testimony are both great for spiritual growth. I look forward to experiencing the blessing of the Holy Spirit as people search the scriptures together! Do come join us!

I have prepared a lesson guide for this week as a pamphlet to teach SOAP Bible study and to use for journaling. Feel free to use it. Fold it in half with the journaling in the middle.

Prayerful daily Bible study is the only way to fix your dead church. And it starts with you!

If your church would like to invite me to run a “Seeking the Lost” weekend to get you started with SOAP journaling, please contact me. I’m extremely available!