S.O.A.P.

Hey guys and gals. Wayne Cordeiro pastors New Hope Christian fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Okay Janet! Pack the board shorts and sunglasses, I think I just heard God speak about where we’re going next… Whoo Hoo!)

Back to reality… New Hope is one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. And in Wayne’s new book, The Divine Mentor, he describes what has helped their church grow head and shoulders above everything else.

“It has nothing to do with demographics.
It doesn’t depend on location.
It isn’t triggered by worship style.
It’s developing a self-feeding program…”

Then he writes a sentence that today almost seems prophetic, especially in light of the recent study released by Willow Creek called “Reveal.” Here’s the statement: “Self feeding will be the heart of a healthy Christian, the heart of a healthy twenty-first century church…”

Cordeiro goes on to describe how New Hope challenges every person in their church family to journal on a daily basis using an easy to remember acrostic: S.O.A.P. Here’s what it stands for:

S = Scripture
O = Observation
A = Application
P = Prayer

Scripture
Adopt a daily Bible reading plan… Get into God’s Word for yourself – DAILY!

This year I’m using an online plan developed by Christianity Today. You can check out the plan at: http://bible.christianity.com/readingplan/.

As you’re reading, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight ONE VERSE or thought in the section you’re reading. When he does, WRITE THE VERSE DOWN in your journal.

Observation
After you record the Scripture in your journal, take some time to think about and meditate on what the verse says. Let the message of this passage sink in… Then, write down in manuscript form your observations. It may take a sentence. It may take a few paragraphs, but write down your observations. What does this passage say?

Application
This is where things start to get personal. After you’ve observed what the text says, take some time to write out how you plan to put this passage into action. Application always answers the question: “How does this verse apply to me?” Write that down… Let the Holy Spirit speak to you… Make the application as personal and relevant as possible.

Prayer
The final letter in the acrostic reminds us to record our prayer. Based upon the passage the Holy Spirit has sort of “blown up” in your Spirit, write out a prayer asking God to help you apply what you’ve just learned.


I know this little plan isn’t rocket science. It’s so simple, but God has been using it in my personal time with Him. While I don’t use this plan every day, aspects of this plan usually some how get incorporated in my time with God.

(Thanks, Wayne. And if you’re hiring in Hawaii, we’re already packing our bags...)

If you want to read more, check out Wayne CordeIro’s book.

The Divine Mentor
Wayne Cordeiro
Bethany House Publishers