Stepping out!

A quick look at who we are and why we feel it is so important for us to take this big leap!

Scott Simpson

WORK EXPERIENCE

Electronic Memories

7+ Years

Built relationships with startup business owners and assisted with marketing, and Brand Management as well as back end system support

Tomball Fire Department Magnolia Fire Department

10+ Years

Concurrently worked for multiple agencies in the roles of Driver / Operator, Training Officer, and Wellbeing support

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Woodland Oaks Church of Christ

10+ Years - Current

Assisted in youth activities in the role of teaching and counseling the youth and acting as the Youth Deacon

Elevate Outdoors

5+ Years - Current

Built and implemented a leadership program based around mountaineering and relationship building

Youth Internship - Szolnok Hungary

4 Months

Participated in the inaugural Youth Internship in Szolnok Hungary assisting in the development of a youth program.

Rock

2 Years - (interim during children's ministry transition)

Lead the Sunday morning Children's Ministry program during service for K-3rd Grade

FAMILY

Wife - Cortney Simpson

Son - Braden Simpson (Age 15)

Son - Drake Simpson (Age 13)

Son - Zane Simpson (Age 10)

Son - Casen Simpson (Age 4)

Goals

To obtain a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree (BBS) From Bear Valley Bible Institute

The Bear Valley Bible Institute’s two-year program offers the student a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree (BBS). A total of 136 semester hours are earned in Bible and related Ministry courses in this program. Of these 136 semester hours, 60 are in Bible books alone. That means each student will spend 942 classroom hours studying the Bible text during the two-year program. This extensive course of study gives an excellent foundational knowledge of God's Word and is the cornerstone for sound Bible preaching. The curriculum is well-rounded and offers classes in Church History, Evangelism, Greek and others, of which all contribute to this ministry education.

Long Term Goals

To obtain a M.S. in Psychology from a Christ-centered institution
To enter into the ministry field of Christian counseling

My path to Christ is considered “atypical” in some circles. And although my path was long, and at times emotionally painful, it has provided me with perspective that I have been able to use to spread the word of God. This perspective has also allowed me to be a liaison of sorts in more situations than I can count through the years, helping people find the correct person to seek out for advice or guidance. For years I have found myself drawn to the idea of returning to school in order to pursue an education in counseling and psychology, in order to move from liaison into truly using my life experience and gifts God has given me to help others. Several years ago when Cortney began her masters in Psychiatric Mental Health NP this desire increased 10 fold as we continued to discuss the issues of mental health. As it turns out, God had different plans for us over the last 5 years and we decided it wasn’t our time to make that move. However, over the past year our resolve has blossomed into paths being opened up for us to do just that.

In August, after further researching multiple institutions, I applied and was accepted to Bear Valley Bible Institute for the bachelors program in biblical studies as a precursor to a masters in psychology. With this I will enter into the field of Christian counseling.

My biggest hesitation in officially entering the field of psychology, or any counseling in general, consistently hinged on the secular viewpoint of most higher education institutions offering the degree path. Bear Valley solves this problem by offering an education track with a foundation in the teachings of the Good Book, while also having ties to masters programs with that same foundation. The program does not merely focus on the degree path but true training for those looking to enter into the ministry field. The field of Christian counseling is not only a necessary ministry field, but one severely lacking in practitioners.

Bear Valley Bible Institute also sets itself apart with an abbreviated but parallel series of classes to be fully immersed in the study, in which Cortney will be taking full advantage of. While she will not be taking on the full degree track, she will be taking a large number of courses from the program in which to apply to her field.

Courses of Study

BIBLICAL STUDIES

106 GENESIS	107 EXODUS-DEUTERONOMY
112 ACTS 1	113 ACTS 2
120 GOSPEL OF MARK	202 UNITED KINGDOM
205 1, 2 THESSALONIANS AND PHILIPPIANS	212 1 CORINTHIANS
218 WISDOM LITERATURE	303 ROMANS
304 GOSPEL OF LUKE	306 DIVIDED KINGDOM
307 ISAIAH	310 GOSPEL OF JOHN
311 GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, COLOSSIANS AND PHILEMON	313 JUDAH, PRE-CAPTIVITY
401 JAMES, I AND II PETER AND JUDE	404 CAPTIVITY & AFTER
405 REVELATION	411 1, 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS
411 1, 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS	413 HEBREWS
416 2 CORINTHIANS	418 EPISTLES OF JOHN

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES

114 GREEK 1	214 GREEK 2
314 GREEK 3

PERSONAL EVANGELISM

102 PERSONAL EVANGELISM

CHURCH GROWTH AND HISTORY

213 RESTORATION HISTORY	315 CHURCH HISTORY
412 CHURCH GROWTH

PREACHING

201 HOMILETICS 1	305 HOMILETICS 2
407 - HOMILETICS 3	455 - HOMILETICS 4

MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT

203 MINISTRY TECHNOLOGIES	216 LEADERSHIP
291 BIBLICAL counseling	308 YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY
406 TEACHING STRATEGIES	414 THE PREACHER AND HIS WORK

DEVELOPING STUDY SKILLS

110 BIBLICAL EXEGESIS	111 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS
115 ENGLISH COMPOSITION	116 RESEARCH STRATEGIES

DOCTRINAL COURSES

215 DENOMINATIONAL DOCTRINES

415 GODHEAD

APOLOGETICS

301 HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE	312 CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES
316 CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS	408 BIBLE GEOGRAPHY

Support

In order for us to accomplish these goals we are asking for your support in two areas. First we ask for your spiritual support in the form of prayers as we push through the intensive two-year program at Bear Valley. Cliche or not, we have seen and felt the power of prayer and would truly be grateful if you would fervently pray for us and our family.

Secondly, we are asking for financial support during the two-year program. While the tuition is being covered by support through Bear Valley Church of Christ, we will need support to cover the living costs of our family while we complete our programs. Projections for the small army God has blessed us with brings budgeted living costs to $8,000 per month including contributions, housing (nearly half of our total budget), food, insurance, the kids schooling, and all the other expenses that come with raising children in the state of Colorado during the time we are there and acting in the domestic missions field. Add to this the cost of relocating to Colorado in November, and then God willing back to Texas at the completion of the program, funding remains the primary hurdle in this journey. With Cortney also taking classes, she will only be able to work part time and will not be able to fully fund our family without your support.

Any amount of monthly support you can offer will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. In order to assist with tax write offs on recurring donations, support can be set up through your bank to Bear Valley Bible Institute at 2707 S. Lamar Street Denver, Colorado 80227 in care of The Simpson Family. One time or occasional gifts of support can be sent to the same location or directly to our family. And please follow our journey at www.Taking-a-leap.com and join our members list!

I know several amazing counselors and psychologists that truly operate with Christ as the foundation of their practice. I also know the need is far greater than those currently in the field can handle, and the need will continue to grow in this world we live in. I appreciate your support as I work to join their ranks.