Bridge Ministries

BMI Oasis

The BMI Oasis is a hosted place of rest for Pastors, Missionaries, and other Christian Leaders. We also provide our ministry guests with optional Care Services, such as confidential coaching and life-focusing resources, when they visit. 

Our 3-acre Oasis is located in the countryside about one mile from the quaint village of Richland, Michigan. Our property incorporates a serene pond, an island (for bonfires), a prayer hut, a hammock, walking trails, etc. It is very conducive for getting back in touch with the Lord, your spouse, and your own heart. Whether you need a relaxing time of solitude, an opportunity to refocus your life or plan your future, a place to pray and study, a getaway with your spouse, or a place to explore nature, the BMI Oasis is here for you.  We will seek to  accommodate you, listen to your story, and serve your specific needs.

H.B. London’s book Pastors at Greater Risk: The Infographic reports that over fifty percent of pastors in the USA would leave the pastorate if they had somewhere else to go or another way to make a living.  Also that 1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict or moral failure. In addition, they note:

• • 80% believed their pastoral ministry affected their family negatively
  • 33% said that being in ministry was an outright hazard to their family
  • 50% felt unable to meet the needs of their job
  • 70% said they had a lower self-esteem than when they started out
  • 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend

I (John Studebaker) experienced ministerial burnout in the past and understand the burdens experienced by those in professional ministry.  We have designed resources and retreats to meet their needs.

Testimonies

“BMI Oasis lives up to its name … ministry can sometime feel dry and parched, and a time of ‘Oasis’ can be so refreshing and life-giving. The combination of tranquility and ‘structured spiritual foundation focus time’ truly brought a renewed zeal for God’s kingdom. I also enjoyed time with John as he artfully facilitated and guided my wife and I through our Life Mission statements. He is gifted at getting right to the heart of each topic by asking great questions.”–PASTOR BEN CROUSE (JULY 2017)

"My time at BMI Oasis was both restful and challenging.  My surroundings were beautiful and very comfortable, but the Lifebridge process facilitated by John was like giving birth. . . hard work but with a joyous outcome!  I would recommend it highly to anyone wrestling with God and with themselves!"–REV. JERRY KISSLING (AUGUST 2016)

"In October 2013 I spent time with life coach Dr. John Studebaker at the BMI Oasis.  The truths I discovered about myself have become essential for my life and ministry. Dr. Studebaker understands the enormous significance of holy calling as well as the importance of practical, Spirit-led, step-by-step processes for truly living out that calling in one's personal life, relationships, and ministry.  He will enable you to identify core truths about yourself that should guide your critical vocational and personal decisions."–REV. BILL JOHNSON (OCTOBER 2013)