Core Values: The W.A.L.K.E.R.S. Framework
At Shoe Leather Gospel, our core values are more than principles—they are biblical convictions that shape how we pursue our mission and live out our vision. Organized under the acronym W.A.L.K.E.R.S., these values define the kind of disciples we are called to become: those who walk in truth, abide in Christ, and live for His glory.
Our vision is to equip believers to walk faithfully, think biblically, and live for Christ’s glory. Our mission is to put shoe leather on the Gospel by helping believers know Christ, grow in truth, and go live the Gospel. The W.A.L.K.E.R.S. framework keeps this vision and mission on solid theological ground.
W – Word of God (Biblical Authority)
We submit to the Bible as our final authority—clear, sufficient, and true in all it affirms.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable… so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Tim 3:16–17)
The Christian life begins and continues with the Word. Our teaching, discipleship, and worldview are rooted in Scripture alone, not culture, tradition, or emotion. The Word shapes how we walk (Ps 119:105), how we grow (1 Pet 2:2), and how we withstand falsehood (Matt 4:4).
A – Abiding in Christ (Christ-Centered Discipleship)
Discipleship begins and ends with Jesus. We follow Him and help others do the same.
“Abide in Me, and I in you… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5)
Abiding is not passive—it is a daily pursuit of intimacy with Christ. We grow in grace not by effort alone, but through communion with our Savior. This value anchors our mission to know Christ deeply and keeps our discipleship relational, not just informational.
L – Life Application (Everyday Faithfulness)
Truth must be walked, not just known. We live out our theology in the grit of real life.
“Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)
Orthodoxy must lead to orthopraxy. This value reminds us that teaching is incomplete unless it results in transformation. Application is where mission meets life: marriage, parenting, work, conflict, suffering. This is how we walk faithfully.
K – Kingdom Perspective (Eternal Focus)
We live today in light of the Kingdom to come. Our hope is anchored in eternity.
“We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” (2 Cor 4:18)
This value protects us from worldly distraction and spiritual apathy. By keeping our eyes on the return of Christ and the coming Kingdom, we live with urgency, humility, and hope. This frames how we live for Christ’s glory beyond temporary rewards.
E – Engagement with Culture (Biblical Worldview)
We equip believers to speak truth and show grace in a confused and hostile world.
“The sons of Issachar… understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” (1 Chron 12:32)
We don’t retreat from culture; we engage it with courage and compassion. Whether addressing issues of identity, justice, politics, or technology, we apply the unchanging truth of God’s Word to a constantly shifting world. This supports our mission to go live the Gospel in real-life situations.
R – Rooted Theology (Doctrinal Clarity)
We teach deep truths in plain language—because strong doctrine builds strong disciples.
“Teach what accords with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1)
We reject both shallow inspiration and needlessly complex jargon. Our theology is systematic, Scripture-based, and Christ-exalting. We believe that doctrine isn’t just for academics—it’s for the church. This equips believers to think biblically with confidence.
S – Spirit-Driven Growth (Gospel Transformation)
Only the Gospel changes hearts. We depend on the Spirit to grow in grace and holiness.
“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13)
Our growth is not self-help or behavior management. It is the supernatural work of the Spirit conforming us to Christ. Through the ordinary means of grace—Word, prayer, worship, obedience—the Spirit transforms us from the inside out.
How the Core Values Fulfill the Vision and Fuel the Mission
• Our vision says what we aim for: a faithful walk, a biblical mind, and a life for God’s glory.
• Our mission shows how we pursue it: knowing Christ, growing in truth, and going into the world.
• Our W.A.L.K.E.R.S. values keep that pursuit grounded in Scripture and fruitful in practice.
They answer:
• What do we teach? → The Word of God and Rooted Theology
• How do we teach? → With Clarity, Compassion, and Application
• Why do we teach? → For Christ’s glory, Gospel transformation, and Kingdom impact
Conclusion: Values That Walk
These values are not simply statements on a wall—they are convictions for our walk. They shape our content, our tone, our goals, and our daily obedience. The W.A.L.K.E.R.S. framework helps us stay biblically grounded, spiritually growing, and missionally focused.
Because when we walk in the Word, abide in Christ, and live by the Spirit, the Gospel moves from belief to behavior. From Sunday to Monday. From learning to living. From words to walk.
And that’s why we put shoe leather on the Gospel.