Take Off With Thomas Clark

Thomas
  • 5.0 (1)
  • CHRISTIANITY

I help equip you to bring the peace of God to places you live, work, learn, and play. All for His glory! 

  1. From Peace to Pathways: How Relationships Become Disciple-Making Spaces

    4D AGO

    From Peace to Pathways: How Relationships Become Disciple-Making Spaces

    Send a text In Season 5, Episode 5 of the Take Off Podcast, Thomas Clark builds on the last episode’s focus on persons of peace and takes the next step: What happens after peace is discovered? This conversation explores a movemental truth many believers miss—peace may open the door, but pathways move people forward. Thomas unpacks how God doesn’t just connect us to people of peace—He turns those relationships into disciple-making pathways, where spiritual formation can grow naturally through shared life. Drawing from the way Jesus walked with people over time, this episode names what has proven faithful in real contexts as The Launching Pad Worldwide has practiced release-based discipleship—equipping and releasing disciple-makers back into their everyday environments to make disciples where life already happens. You’ll hear why friendship alone isn’t the destination, why “niceness” can be confused with discipleship, and how intentionality creates movement without manipulation. Thomas introduces practical, reproducible examples of disciple-making pathways—walking together, sharing meals, prayer moments, Scripture conversations, serving side-by-side—and clarifies what pathways are not (not a class, not a curriculum-first process, not pressure-driven). The episode also addresses why many relationships never become pathways (fear of rejection, fear of being misunderstood, waiting for the “perfect time”) and offers gentle, simple “pathway starters” that honor trust while inviting growth. Ultimately, pathways emerge when we learn to walk at the speed of trust. The episode concludes with a reflection question and an “I will…” invitation to help you take a concrete next step: Reflection Question: Who has God already given me relational access to—and what step am I hesitating to invite them into? I Will Challenge: This week, I will intentionally invite ______ into a simple next step of shared life with me. Remember: Peace opens doors, but pathways build disciples—and discipleship is relational long before it is instructional. Support the show Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    27 min
  2. From Places to People Recognizing Persons of Peace

    FEB 23

    From Places to People Recognizing Persons of Peace

    Send a text In this episode of the Take Off Podcast, Thomas Clark explores a crucial shift in disciple-making: God sends us to places, but He reveals His mission through people. Building on the previous conversation about being scattered on purpose, this episode moves from where God sends us to who God highlights as He sends us. Rather than offering a formula or strategy, Thomas names what has proven faithful over time within a disciple-making movement. He challenges the common question, “What should I do?”, and reframes it with a more biblical lens: “Who should I notice?” Disciple-making movements don’t begin with plans—they begin with discernment. Drawing from Luke 10 and the concept of persons of peace, this episode unpacks how movements grow through relationships, not programs; through attentiveness, not efficiency; and through people God has already prepared. Thomas shares lived examples that show how persons of peace—often unexpected and sometimes overlooked—become bridges for the gospel rather than bottlenecks. Listeners are invited to reflect on how program-driven ministry can unintentionally overshadow people-driven mission, why trust precedes teaching, and how mutuality transforms discipleship from a patron–client model into shared partnership on mission. The episode concludes with a reflection question and a practical “I will…” invitation, encouraging listeners to intentionally invest in the people God has already opened to them—right where they live, work, learn, and play. Support the show Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    29 min
  3. Scattered on Purpose: Sent to Specific Places

    FEB 16

    Scattered on Purpose: Sent to Specific Places

    Send a text In this episode of the Take Off Podcast, Thomas Clark explores a vital discipleship truth: we are scattered on purpose and sent to specific places. While God gathers His people for formation, He intentionally scatters them for mission—not randomly, but with divine purpose. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience within a disciple-making movement, Thomas clarifies two common errors in the Church today: staying gathered and never going, or scattering without shared identity and purpose. This episode reframes scattering not as a weakness of the Church, but as God’s design for reaching His world. Thomas unpacks how Jesus formed His disciples before sending them, why the Church was never meant to be a place we “go to” but a people who are sent, and how our neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday gathering spaces are commissioned mission fields. Listeners are invited to see geography as theology—recognizing that where we live, work, learn, and play is where God has already sent us. The episode concludes with a reflection question and a practical “I will…” invitation, challenging listeners to engage one specific place God has entrusted to them with intentional, faithful presence. Support the show Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    37 min
  4. God Sends a People Not Just Individuals

    FEB 9

    God Sends a People Not Just Individuals

    Send a text In Season 5, Episode 2 of the Take Off Podcast, Thomas Clark explores a foundational truth for disciple-making movements: God does not send isolated individuals—He sends a people. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, this episode challenges the deeply individualistic assumptions many of us carry and invites listeners to rediscover God’s design for mission as communal, shared, and embodied life together. Thomas unpacks the difference between crowds and community, audience and body, and shows how Jesus formed a people—not solo heroes—to live sent lives in real places with real problems. From the life of Abraham to the formation of the early church, we see that God’s mission has always moved through a collective shaped together in tension, trust, and shared obedience. This episode calls listeners to move from isolation to collaboration, to resist burnout disguised as faithfulness, and to embrace discipleship as a shared way of life. As always, the episode ends with a reflection question and a practical “I will…” invitation, helping you discern how God may be calling you to live His mission with others where you live, work, learn, and play. 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 Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    41 min
  5. God is the Sender

    FEB 2

    God is the Sender

    Send a text In this opening episode of Season 5, Thomas Clark lays a foundation that quietly reshapes everything we believe about discipleship, mission, and the Church. On a “capital C” level, the Church of Jesus Christ does not have a mission—God has a mission, and the Church exists because of it. Thomas explains why phrases like “the church has a mission” or “we need to do more mission” can unintentionally make mission feel optional—like a department, a program, or an outreach night—when in reality mission flows from the very nature of God. Introducing the missio Dei (the mission of God), he walks listeners through the biblical storyline of creation, fall, redemption, restoration, and new creation, showing that God’s ongoing work is to restore humanity back into His shalom (peace) through Jesus Christ. Thomas then connects this to the sending nature of God: God sends Abram, Moses, Isaiah, and ultimately sends His Son. God doesn’t send ideas—He sends people. Jesus is the ultimate “sent One,” and in John 20:21 Jesus makes it clear that as the Father sent Him, He now sends His followers. This episode challenges listeners to stop thinking of mission as something we initiate or “take God” to, and instead to become discerners—joining God where He is already moving in everyday places. The episode ends with a tension-building question and an “I will” challenge to help listeners take a concrete next step toward living as sent disciples in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and third places. 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 Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    30 min
  6. How A Disciple Making Movement Helps To Meet The Needs Of The Community With Ruth Price Pt. 2

    JAN 26

    How A Disciple Making Movement Helps To Meet The Needs Of The Community With Ruth Price Pt. 2

    Send a text "You may retire from employment, but you never retire from discipleship." In the conclusion of this two-part conversation, Thomas Clark and Ruth Price dive deep into the "Third Place"—those community hangouts like gardens, town halls, and local festivals where social momentum is built. Ruth shares her incredible journey of becoming "the church" at the Harambee Community Garden and beyond, proving that making disciples is about being present where life is already happening. In this episode, we explore: The Power of the Third Place: How a community garden or a local jazz show becomes a sanctuary for God’s peace.The B.L.E.S.S. Rhythms in Action: A practical look at how Ruth uses prayer, listening, eating, serving, and story-sharing to bridge the gap between neighbors.Assessment vs. Assumption: How to move past "guessing" what a community needs by using surveys, Google forms, and active listening at police district meetings.Overcoming Ethnocentrism: A candid, "funny" story from Ruth about a 200-year-old tree and the conscious choice to value a neighbor’s perspective over her own opinions.Movement thinking requires us to see that Christ is present 24/7. Whether Ruth is talking to a neighbor about a memorial or serving refreshments at a garden, she is "invading the world" with the shalom of God. This episode will challenge you to look for the "hidden gems" in your own community and ask: How can I be the presence of Jesus here? The B.L.E.S.S. Rhythms B - Be in PrayerL - Listen with IntentionalityE - Eat a MealS - Serve and Be ServedS - Share a Story about ChristEngage & Support Subscribe: Join the movement! Subscribe on your favorite platform to get notified every time a new episode drops.Support & Access: For just $3/month, gain early access to episodes and join our Exclusive Monthly Live Q&A with Bishop Thomas Clark and guests.Your Challenge: How can you show up and address a specific need in your community this week?Your "I Will" Statement: "I will [Fill in the blank]." Share your commitment with someone who can hold you accountable!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 Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    34 min
  7. How a Disciple-Making Movement Helps Meet The Needs Of The Community With Ruth Price Pt. 1

    JAN 19

    How a Disciple-Making Movement Helps Meet The Needs Of The Community With Ruth Price Pt. 1

    Send a text 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? **** Engage & Support Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Hit that subscribe button to stay updated on the latest in movement thinking.Join the Inner Circle: Support the podcast for as little as $3/month to get early access to episodes and an exclusive invite to our monthly Live Q&A with Thomas Clark.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! 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 Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    32 min
  8. How A Disciple Making Movement Helps To Meet The Needs Of The Community With Timothy Bell Pt. 2

    JAN 12

    How A Disciple Making Movement Helps To Meet The Needs Of The Community With Timothy Bell Pt. 2

    Send a text 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. Support the show Take Off is a disciple-making podcast designed to equip everyday followers of Jesus to live missionally where they live, work, learn, and play. Supporters help sustain this work and receive short bonus reflections each week that go deeper into the themes of the episode—offering additional insight, pastoral encouragement, and formation-focused teaching. Supporting is not about buying content, but partnering in the slow, faithful work of making disciples who make disciples. https://www.facebook.com/bishopthomas.clark/ https://www.youtube.com/@taclark4 https://www.taclark4ministries.com/ https://x.com/TAClark4

    26 min
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About

I help equip you to bring the peace of God to places you live, work, learn, and play. All for His glory! 

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Take Off With Thomas Clark
  • Show Website
    Take Off With Thomas Clark