By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Get on The Ark.

Imagine a Bible study that feels like a hike with a trusted guide, where each step reveals a new view of God’s presence.

From Aerospace to the Pulpit: A Unique Journey

Frank Shirvinski, an aerospace engineer with a long‑standing ministry career, describes how his professional background shaped his approach to Scripture. After 15 years leading a church in Scottsdale, Arizona, he returned to the aerospace world in 2017, eventually earning a post‑license and becoming an instructor. This blend of technical precision and pastoral care sparked the idea for a structured, interactive Bible study he calls “the Trail.”

Shirvinski observed that many traditional reading plans—starting at Genesis and moving chapter by chapter—often lose participants in books like Leviticus or Numbers. “People would start the Bible in a year, get to Exodus, then drop off,” he said. His solution was to create a modular system that interweaves the Torah, Prophets, Writings, New Testament, and even the Apocrypha, allowing users to explore themes without getting stuck.

The Trail: A Multi‑Platform Learning Experience

The Trail is more than a printed guide; it’s a suite of resources designed for daily engagement. Users receive a journal to record reflections, which Shirvinski envisions as a legacy tool for children and grandchildren. “I can write one for them… ‘Here’s my thoughts on my reading of the Bible in 2026,’ and then again in 2027 for another child,” he explained.

Each day, a short 10‑15‑minute podcast segment—available on YouTube, Rumble, and Spotify—offers theological, academic, or devotional commentary on the passage. Listeners can ask questions in the comments, fostering a conversational atmosphere. Shirvinski’s wife, Stacey, handles the editing, and together they produce a supplemental podcast called “The Trail Encounters” that tackles deeper topics every two weeks.

Small‑Group Books and Children’s Resources

To support communal study, Shirvinski has authored several small‑group books, each containing ten lessons on books like Genesis and Matthew. These guides include participant and leader manuals, as well as “waypoints,” which are concise devotionals meant for quick encouragement. He plans to release the Genesis series by December, a Matthew series in May, and additional children’s titles later in the year.

Beyond adult study, Shirvinski is preparing a second‑edition devotional collection titled “Before the Day Ends,” featuring fifty short stories and reflections aimed at ministers and laypeople alike. The goal is to provide readily usable material for sermons, Bible studies, or personal meditation.

Impact on Readers: Encountering God Through Narrative

Listeners report that the Trail helps them discover biblical stories they previously missed. “I didn’t know that was in the Bible,” one participant said, highlighting the program’s educational value. Shirvinski emphasizes a recurring theme: God’s desire for relationship. He points to the opening question in Genesis—”Where are you?”—as a model for the entire biblical narrative, illustrating God’s constant pursuit of proximity with His people.

He also draws parallels between ancient narratives and modern concerns. Discussing the story of King Hezekiah, Shirvinski warned against a complacent focus on personal safety over legacy: “He said, ‘That’s good as long as I die in peace.’ I thought, gosh, is that how we see our children today?” This reflection underscores the Trail’s aim to inspire families to invest in spiritual heritage, not merely personal comfort.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach of Scripture

Shirvinski’s vision extends beyond individual study. By integrating podcasts, interactive journals, and small‑group curricula, he hopes to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and everyday faith practice. “All this great scholarship never really got to the people themselves,” he noted, expressing a desire to avoid the “milk” approach of basic teaching and instead offer richer, deeper content.

The growing library of resources—including the Trail, Trail Encounters, small‑group books, and children’s titles—aims to equip churches nationwide with tools that make biblical study engaging, accessible, and generational. As families adopt these materials, Shirvinski believes they will experience a renewed sense of God’s presence throughout Scripture.

In a cultural moment marked by spiritual uncertainty, initiatives like Shirvinski’s provide a concrete pathway for believers to connect with the timeless truths of the Bible while fostering a lasting legacy for future generations.

The full episode of Get on The Ark is available on OBBM Network TV.