FIRE PIT — A 6-Week Podcast Series

24d (edited) • FIRE PIT

Optional preparation in the weeks leading up to (but separate from) the 40-Day Crucible Challenge

FORGE TRIBE is a men’s brotherhood centered on Gospel formation, discipline, honesty, and long-term faithfulness. The heart of FORGE TRIBE is simple: men are formed through Truth, Brotherhood, and Commitment—not hype, performance, or self‑improvement.

In the weeks leading up to the 40-Day Crucible Challenge, I’m hosting FIRE PIT: a 6-week interactive lecture series designed to help men prepare with clarity and depth.

FIRE PIT is optional.

It’s not required for the Crucible. There’s no pressure, and no long-term commitment—you’re welcome to attend one session or all six.

What it is: live teaching + guided participation + time for honest questions, grounded in Scripture and the Gospel.

What it isn’t: a performance space, a hype event, or a “must attend” program.

When: Saturdays, 0700–0830 EST (90 minutes)

Where: Riverside.fm (recorded)

Group: ***limited to the first 25 participants- email [email protected] to request your link

Recording note: These sessions will be recorded and used for future content in case you are not able to attend the live sessions.

THE SCHEDULE

Week 1 — Jan 17 — Enter the Story

Theme: Story → Identity

Speaker: Chaplain Pete Stone

Bio: Pete Stone is a U.S. Army chaplain serving with the Eagle Commission and has spent years walking with men in high-pressure environments where identity and resilience are tested. He’s also the founder/host of Word for the Week, where he helps people connect faith, life, and story in a grounded way.

Scripture primer: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 139:13–16

Week 2 — Jan 24 — Sent, Not Scattered

Theme: Mission (long obedience & calling)

Speaker: Topher Wallace

Bio: Topher Wallace serves as a missionary and founder of The Pucusana Project, a Christian nonprofit in Pucusana, Peru focused on poverty alleviation through education, community projects, and business growth. He previously lived in Peru, became fluent in Spanish, and has returned with his wife and son to help lead the work on the ground.

Scripture primer: Matthew 28:18–20; Colossians 3:23–24

Week 3 — Jan 31 — Grace That Holds

Theme: Justification by Grace

Speaker: Pastor Fritz Games

Bio: Fritz Games is the Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in the church, ran hard from God in his younger years, and encountered the grace of God in a decisive way while in college—a story that continues to shape his ministry. Fritz began his ministry in the Mississippi Delta doing youth work, attended Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, MS), and helped launch Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) chapters at two universities. His teaching regularly addresses the subtle ways Christians drift back into works-based faith. He enjoys mountain biking but finds his true identity in Christ.

Scripture primer: Ephesians 2:8–9; Galatians 2:16

Week 4 — Feb 7 — A Generous Life

Theme: Money, stewardship & generous giving

Speaker: Pastor John Thompson (Union Church of Lima)

Bio: John Thompson serves at Union Church of Lima and is a combat-wounded veteran. Before moving to Lima, he and his wife Abi planted a multiethnic church in Atlanta, and he has served in several ministry leadership roles, including global impact work and teaching.

Scripture primer: Matthew 6:19–21; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8

Week 5 — Feb 14 — A Life Ordered by Love

Theme: Discipline

Speaker: Father Brian Vander Wel

Bio: Father Brian Vander Wel is the Rector of Christ Church Accokeek (Maryland) and has served in that role since 2007. He became a Benedictine oblate in 2022—committing to monastic rhythms of prayer and ordered life while serving in parish ministry.

Scripture primer: Hebrews 12:10–11; Luke 9:23

Week 6 — Feb 21 — Brotherhood

Theme: Men are formed through Truth, Brotherhood, and Commitment

Speaker: Joe Dunphy

Bio: Joe Dunphy is the founder of FORGE TRIBE and the leader of the 40-Day Crucible Challenge. This final session focuses on honest brotherhood—walking in the light, shared responsibility, and choosing not to carry life alone.

Scripture primer: James 5:16; Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

If FIRE PIT helps you prepare, join us. If it doesn’t, you’re free to pass—no pressure either way. The aim is simple: Christ at the center, truth on the table, and men growing in long obedience.

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