Chris Reighley

Managing Director | Bible-teaching ministry | Colson Fellow | Digital Marketing

Blog Categories

Topics

  • Home
  • Shoe Leather Gospel

Shoe Leather Gospel


— the gospel in shoe leather

Walking Out the Word:
The Journey Behind Shoe Leather Gospel

by Chris Reighley


The idea for Shoe Leather Gospel was born out of a growing realization that something vital was being lost. As I spent time with fellow believers, it became clear to me that many were struggling with an important foundation—their understanding of Scripture. The Bible, this incredible book that tells the story of God’s relationship with humanity, was often viewed as distant or irrelevant. People weren’t engaging with it in a way that made their faith come alive in everyday life. That’s when I knew something had to change.

I had a calling to bring the Bible back to life for people, to make it more than just words on a page or a Sunday morning sermon. I wanted to see people walk out their faith—putting the gospel into “shoe leather,” so to speak. This phrase wasn’t mine, though. It was something J. Vernon McGee, a preacher I admired, often said on his radio show Thru the Bible. McGee talked about how the gospel should be lived out, not just talked about. That phrase, “shoe leather,” stuck with me. It captured the heart of what I wanted to do: help people walk in the truth of Scripture daily.

Mission and Vision

Shoe Leather Gospel exists to bridge the gap between what people know about the Bible and how they live it out. The mission is simple—to make disciples of Jesus Christ by equipping people to understand and apply Scripture in their daily lives. I envision a world where believers actively live their faith in a way that changes their homes, their communities, and the culture around them. The Bible isn’t just a dusty book on a shelf; it’s alive, relevant, and powerful. It can transform lives, but only when we truly engage with it and let it shape who we are.

When I started Shoe Leather Gospel, I knew it couldn’t just be about head knowledge. People need to experience transformation—real change that comes from living out the truth of God’s Word. This ministry is about that very thing: moving beyond knowledge to real-life application. I want people to see that the Bible speaks to every area of life—our families, work, struggles, and joys. It’s not just a book to be studied; it’s the foundation of how we live.

Teaching a Biblical Worldview

My journey through the Colson Fellows program gave me a strong conviction about the importance of a biblical worldview. Charles Colson said, “The church does not exist for its own sake; it exists to bring truth to the world, and in so doing, to serve the world.” That idea is at the heart of everything we do at Shoe Leather Gospel. The Bible gives us a lens through which we can view and understand every aspect of life—politics, culture, relationships, and morality. A biblical worldview means living with the conviction that God’s truth applies to every part of our lives.

The Colson Fellows program taught me how to see the grand narrative of Scripture—Creation, Fall/Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration—as the story that explains our world. This perspective is what I bring to every teaching, podcast, and conversation through Shoe Leather Gospel. In a world filled with conflicting ideas and values, it’s crucial that believers are equipped to engage culture thoughtfully, bringing the truth of Scripture into every discussion.

The Three Podcast Programs

As I began building this ministry, I knew that podcasts would be a powerful way to reach people. With each program, I wanted to offer something unique—a way for believers to grow in their understanding of the Bible and apply it to their lives.

1. Journey Thru the Bible

The first podcast, Journey Thru the Bible, is my nod to J. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible. McGee alternated between Old and New Testament studies and once mentioned that it would be good to go through the Bible chronologically. That inspired me to take on what has become a challenging but deeply rewarding project—teaching the Bible in the order the events occurred. This journey takes listeners through the whole sweep of Scripture, showing how God’s plan for redemption unfolds from Genesis to Revelation.

It’s more than a history lesson—it’s about seeing the continuity of God’s work in the world and understanding how it all points to Christ. Each episode is designed to help people connect the dots and see the bigger picture, applying those truths to the challenges they face today.

2. Footsteps of the Messiah

Footsteps of the Messiah takes listeners into the realm of biblical prophecy and end times. The name is inspired by an ancient Jewish commentary that says, “If you shall see the kingdoms rising against each other in turn, then give heed and note the footsteps of the Messiah.” There’s a sense of urgency in that statement—prophecies about the return of Christ are not just academic; they’re a call to action.

This podcast is designed to help believers understand what the Bible says about the end times from a dispensational perspective. It encourages listeners to live with eternity in mind and to stay alert to the signs that point to Christ’s return.

3. Walking with God

The third podcast, Walking with God, continues the journey theme, but this one is deeply personal. It’s about learning to walk by the Spirit, as Paul talks about in Galatians. Walking with God is more than just a metaphor—it’s a way of life. This podcast is designed to help people deepen their daily walk with Christ, offering practical guidance for spiritual growth, prayer, and dealing with life’s challenges.

But for me, this podcast also connects to my time at The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. George H.W. Bush once said, “Any definition of a successful life must include service to others.” That line has always stuck with me. At The Bush School, I’ve been challenged to think about how my faith and my calling to serve intersect. It’s not just about knowing God’s Word; it’s about putting it into action in every area of life. Walking with God reflects this idea—that our faith calls us to serve, to seek justice, and to make a difference in the world.

The Mission Continues

Shoe Leather Gospel is built on the conviction that the Bible is alive, relevant, and powerful. It can transform lives, but only when we truly engage with it. Through podcasts, Bible studies, and written content, I aim to equip believers to live out their faith with purpose and conviction. It’s about putting the gospel into “shoe leather”—taking what we know about God and His Word and walking it out in everyday life.

As Abraham Kuyper once said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’” That truth drives everything we do at Shoe Leather Gospel. Every part of life belongs to Christ, and it’s our calling to live that out. Whether it’s in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are called to walk in the footsteps of our Savior, making His love known to a world that desperately needs it.


Past Teachings