Gospel I.D. – Learner

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 Today we focus on the 1st of four parts of Gospel Identity for concrete thinkers. The attribute of learner – “as disciples of Jesus we embrace a life of learning his ways […]

Gospel Identity for Concrete-Thinkers

Identity is defined as “the individual characteristics by which a person or thing is recognized”¹ Shaping of identity is a huge part of the years of a concrete-thinker – and the question we want to dive into over the next few posts is what does it look like for the Gospel to shape the identity of […]

Jesus Didn’t Die to Make You Republican/Democrat

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” – Titus 2:11-12 Recently my news feed has flared up with a few things – people arguing about a religious freedom law and hundreds of photos […]

Communicating the Gospel in a Concrete Language

Growing up in the church, I remember hearing a lot of words well before I ever understood them. And there were some I really never understood – but everyone used them. My Sunday School teachers and even into middle school used a language which I didn’t fully comprehend. I could spit back these words but no […]

Missional Rhythms for Concrete-Thinkers

In this post – I want to help equip you as a parent, community leader, pastor, or whatever role you serve to begin to shape what it looks like to equip concrete-thinkers to live on mission with God. But what do these rhythms of their everyday life look like? I can help you think through […]

Living on Mission in a Concrete-Thinker World

And the Word [Jesus] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory… – John 1:14 John begins with a beautiful passage of this really, really good news about Jesus – that God would send His son who would literally dwell – live – tabernacle – among us! And I think somewhere, […]

Missional Rhythms for Middle School Communities

In today’s post I want to focus on what it looks like for those who work with middle school students to intentionally live on mission with middle school students and their families. Tomorrow we will focus on some tangible steps to equip middle school students to live on mission. But, I believe it starts with us […]

When Roots Grow Deep: Preparing for Missional Rhythms

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. – Matthew 4:23 As we begin – whether we are in full time ministry or are simply giving what few hours outside our full-time jobs and families we have […]

When Roots Grow Deep – Missional Rhythms and Faithfulness

When I first began to serve in North Canton, OH I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing. But one thing God had made clear to me – don’t sit behind the walls of a building. Go out among my people and love them as I have loved them. Unclear of what it entirely looks […]

Concrete Disciple – Finish The Race

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV) I remember the first time I really ran a race. It wasn’t very long, but I remember the feeling. You start out and there is this rush with so many other runners by you. […]