 | What is “Shop Talk”? That depends on what type of shop (Interest) you have. Some have a wood shop, some have a machine shop, some have a shop to work on mechanical things such as cars and motorcycles or maybe their shop is for working on sewing machines or computers. Someone might have a shop in their basement, some might use their garage or some might have a separate building, some might just use the kitchen table. So what is “Shop Talk”? It’s an opportunity for men to get together and talk shop! |
Why? Rick has taken the idea of “Shop Talk” and opened his shop for a place to get together and talk about the things that life throws at us. There is usually some sort of mechanical project going on and maybe the opportunity to get the hands dirty, but men usually just talk and there is no agenda.
Who? Who is going to benefit from showing up? Anyone! It gives us the chance to get to know each other better and learn new interests.
When? When is the shop open for this purpose? The first and third Tuesday of the month. You can also double-check in the bulletin or in the calendar.
Where? Rick Vaughn’s shop, just ask for directions.
Now, when is this going to get spiritual? As Rick says: "Well, we will always take the time to pray if someone has a need for prayer and open the Word of God for direction. You see, the shop is a place where things get repaired. Follow along as I describe the steps of building a hot rod. I like to use the analogy that you are like an old car that the Lord has found and wants to bring back to new or better condition.If you want a show quality car, no part of the restoration is ignored. The body is stripped of all the old paint and this exposes the dents, dings and rust that require hammering, cutting and welding to bring things back to the point of being ready for paint, this also offers a chance to customize the project, you know, make it personal. This is what God does with you after you accept Him as Savior and allow Him to restore your life,. He begins to strip away the old things in your life as He prepares to replace them with the gifts He has for you.
Then, of course, the engine, transmission, differential, suspension and brakes need to be brought back to new condition, or better yet, updated with aftermarket parts, which usually are better. We can’t forget about the interior and paint. Let’s look at these one at a time.
| The engine is like the heart. Now, the builder of a hot rod doesn’t settle for just a basic engine but builds one to be stronger, more powerful and more reliable than the original. The internal parts are replaced with better parts and balanced to reduce the amount of rotating imbalance. If this is not done you have a greater chance of shaking things apart when you step on the gas. Life has this same affect if you haven’t allowed the Lord to strengthen your heart.T The transmission and differential need to be rebuilt with parts that will allow them to handle the amount of power that the new engine will produce, this is like filling your mind with God’s Word. The brakes will need to be updated to bring this new machine to a stop when needed, like the Holy Spirit in your life will give you discernment over situations. These are the parts that are on the inside or under the car and no one will ever see them without close inspection and questioning the builder. |
The interior and paint is the signature of the builder. This is what people see at a glance and it intrigues them to take a closer look at the finished project. This part is just as important as the internal parts of the mechanical build because without this the witness of the builder is hidden under the rough exterior.
As you might imagine, when someone decides to build a hot rod no expense is spared, the same is true of God. When you give your life to Him He will spare no expense when rebuilding you. He will change your heart, make it stronger, rebuild and change the mind, soul and desires to enable you to react when needed to the pressures of life.
“Shop Talk” is a place where we polish and shine the paint job and chrome, and work on the inside if needed. So, no matter what your interests are you are welcome."
