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In the world of disciple-making, "watching" is a bad word. We don't watch—we engage.

In this episode of this powerful series, Thomas Clark sits down with his long-time friend and "mission partner," Ruth Price. At 77 years young, Ruth is a living testimony that God’s call on your life doesn't have a retirement date. Operating out of the historical Austin neighborhood in Chicago, Ruth shares how she transitioned from simply being a resident to becoming a missional, incarnational presence on her block.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Incarnational Impulse: What it means to be "enfleshed" with Christ in your first place—the neighborhood where you live.
• Breaking the "Castle" Mentality: Moving from seeing our homes as private fortresses to viewing them as outposts for the Kingdom.
• Technology as a Tool for Peace: How Ruth uses email and social media to connect over 80 neighbors, proving that tech is only as "good" or "evil" as the purpose behind it.
• Earning the Right to be Heard: The journey of inviting people into your life until they trust you enough to invite you into theirs.

Every problem is a discipleship problem, and Christ transforms culture through His followers. Are you ready to stop waving from your car and start doing a "deep dive" into the lives of the people around you?

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• Your "I Will" Statement: Based on today’s conversation, what is one specific action you will take this week to bring peace to your neighborhood? Who will you share it with?

Let’s Take Off!

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In Part 2 of my conversation with Timothy Bell, we continue exploring how a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) meets the real needs of real communities by showing up where people actually live, work, and gather. Timothy reflects on what it means to be incarnate among neighbors who face cultural tension, insecurity, and fear—especially in a community where he is one of only two non-Hispanic residents on his block. Together, we talk about how Jesus shows up through relationships, trust-building, and presence, and how seniors, children, and even the incarcerated—all often overlooked—remain image bearers who matter deeply to God. This episode highlights how Christ is already moving in these spaces and how disciples join Him, not by imposing solutions, but by listening, learning, and responding with compassion.

We also unpack what it looks like to assess the real needs of a community rather than assuming them. Timothy shares practical stories—from seed-planting social momentums, to cross-cultural learning from neighbors, to listening sessions with coworkers and inmates—that reveal how being present leads to transformation. We discuss the difference between ethnocentrism and ethnography, why slowing down helps us discern what people truly need, and how servant leaders learn from the very people they serve. This episode invites you to see how Jesus uses ordinary disciples in everyday places to create a local theology, a local testimony, and a local expression of His presence. You will walk away challenged and encouraged to ask: Where is God already moving around me—and how can I join Him?

Please consider following this podcast so that you do not miss an episode. Also, please support the work we are doing with either a monthly or yearly subscription. Subscribers will receive early access to episodes along with other perks.

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In this episode of the Take Off Podcast, we continue our Season 4 series exploring how a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) helps meet the needs of the community. Thomas Clark welcomes Timothy Bell — a long-time friend, servant leader, husband, father, and now grandfather — to share how he lives as an incarnate presence of Jesus in his everyday context. Building on the foundation that Christ transforms culture through His followers, Thomas and Timothy discuss how disciple-making is inherently contextual. While the biblical foundation remains the same, the expression of disciple-making looks different depending on where each person lives. Through stories of neighboring, prayerful presence, and intentional engagement, this episode shows how ordinary disciples can make extraordinary impact when they show up in the flesh where God has placed them.

Timothy shares his experience living in a predominantly Hispanic community, learning culture through relationships, identifying persons of peace, and building trust with neighbors through simple acts of love and consistency. He also speaks candidly about being incarnate in his workplace — a maximum-security correctional facility — where he brings the peace of Christ to both inmates and co-workers through compassion, prayer, and everyday conversations. From missional neighboring to social momentums to serving seniors in his third place, Timothy’s life demonstrates how DMM is lived out across real neighborhoods, real workplaces, and real challenges. This episode encourages listeners to see their own homes, jobs, and hangout spaces as mission fields where Jesus desires to show up through them.

Please consider following this podcast so that you do not miss an episode. Also, please support the work we are doing with either a monthly or yearly subscription. Subscribers will receive early access to episodes along with other perks.

Support the show