ON SOLID GROUND

In this episode, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson have a real, unplanned conversation about something a lot of us wrestle with. Feeling like you’re made for more, but not fully stepping into it.

Coming off Easter weekend, we start by talking about family, kids, and the importance of the

example we set at home. Kenny opens up about what he’s been feeling lately, knowing he’s been given a message, knowing he’s called to something bigger, but also feeling resistance, doubt, and a lack of fire in certain areas. Is that from God? Is it the enemy? Or is it us?

Shannon shares his own experiences with calling, seasons, and how things that once felt like purpose can sometimes shift. Together, we talk through what it looks like to navigate calling, recognize resistance, and step forward in obedience.

This episode is honest. It’s two guys working through their faith in real time. And it lands on a simple but challenging truth. If God gave you something to do, you have to take the next step.

What we talk about:

• feeling like you’re made for more but not acting on it

• discerning between God, the enemy, and your own thoughts

• seasons of life and spiritual growth

• using your gifts vs holding back

• the tension between faith and action

• social media as a tool vs a distraction

• keeping your eyes on Jesus in the middle of doubt

Scriptures referenced in conversation:

• Matthew 6:33

• Romans 8:28

• Ecclesiastes 3:1

• 1 Peter 5:8

• Joshua 1:9

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and take that next step you know you’ve been putting off.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson talk about Holy Week and why it matters so much to us as Christians. Palm Sunday. The Last Supper. The Garden. The Cross. The Resurrection. We walk through the meaning of this week, not just as a tradition on the calendar, but as the center of our faith.

Kenny shares how, as a newer Christian, some of these moments used to feel familiar but not fully understood. So in this conversation, we slow down and talk through what Holy Week actually is, what happened during those final days of Jesus’ earthly life, and why it still carries so much weight for us now.

We talk about Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the meaning of Passover, the cleansing of the temple, the Last Supper, communion, the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter’s denial, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. More than anything, this episode is a reminder not to rush past this week. To slow down. To remember. To honor the sacrifice. And to celebrate the resurrection with the reverence it deserves.

Scriptures referenced in conversation:

• John 14

• John 17

• John 18

• John 19

• John 20

• Matthew 26

• Matthew 27

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and slow down this week to remember what Jesus has done.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

 In this episode of On Solid Ground, Hosts Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson attempt to unpack the differences between denominations, how they came to be, and what role doctrine, interpretation, and tradition play in shaping them.

This conversation brings clarity to a topic that often feels confusing, while keeping the focus on what truly matters...a relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you’ve ever wondered why Christians believe different things or how to navigate those differences, this episode will help you think through it with both truth and humility.

In This Episode

• Why there are thousands of Christian denominations

• The difference between Catholic and Protestant foundations

• How interpretation of Scripture leads to different doctrines

• What issues are essential vs. non-essential in the faith

• The danger of division and pride within the Church

• Why unity matters, even when we disagree

• How to stay grounded in truth without becoming legalistic

• Keeping the focus on Jesus above denominational labels

Key Bible Verses Discussed

• 1 Corinthians 1:10 — Be united, no divisions among you

• Ephesians 4:3-6 — One body, one Spirit, one faith

• John 17:20-23 — Jesus’ prayer for unity

• 2 Timothy 3:16 — All Scripture is God-breathed

• Romans 14:1 — Accept disputable matters without quarrels

Reflection Questions

• Am I placing my identity in a denomination or in Jesus?

• Do I approach theological differences with humility or pride?

• What beliefs are essential, and what are secondary?

• Am I contributing to unity or division in the body of Christ?

Final Thought

The Church may be divided in many ways, but the foundation should remain the same. Build your life on Jesus, not on traditions.

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THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode of On Solid Ground, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson dive into one of the most important and debated topics in the Christian faith... salvation. They unpack what the Bible says about grace, faith, and works, while sharing real, honest perspectives from their own journeys.

This episode explores the tension between different theological views and brings it back to a simple truth: salvation is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. This conversation will challenge you to examine your heart, your faith, and your relationship with Jesus.

In This Episode

• What salvation really means according to the Bible

• Why we are saved by grace through faith, not by works

• The difference between knowing about Jesus and truly following Him

• What it means to die to your old self

• Can a Christian lose their salvation?

• The tension between different interpretations in Scripture

• How temptation and spiritual battles increase after choosing Christ

• Why your heart posture matters more than outward behavior

Key Bible Verses Discussed

• John 3:16 — God’s love and the promise of eternal life

• Ephesians 2:8-9 — Saved by grace through faith

• Matthew 7:21 — Not everyone who says Lord will enter heaven

• John 10:27-28 — No one can snatch them out of My hand

• Romans 8:38-39 — Nothing can separate us from God’s love

• Hebrews 6:4-6 — Warning about falling away

• Hebrews 10:26 — Continuing in sin after knowing the truth

Reflection Questions

• Have I truly placed my faith in Jesus, or am I relying on my own works?

• Is my relationship with God real, or just something I say?

• How do I respond when I face temptation?

• Am I living like my old self, or walking in a new life?

Final Thought

Salvation is not something we earn. It is a gift we receive. The evidence of that gift is a transformed life that continues to follow Jesus.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, please LIKE and SHARE and help us get these conversations out there.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

Money can be a sensitive topic, but the Bible has a lot to say about it. In this episode of On Solid Ground, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson discuss financial stewardship and how managing money wisely is part of honoring God.

They share personal experiences with debt, entrepreneurship, budgeting, and learning to see money not as something we own but something we are entrusted to steward. This conversation explores how faith should shape the way we earn, spend, save, and give.

In This Episode

• Why everything ultimately belongs to God

• The biblical warning that the borrower is slave to the lender

• Why hard work is a form of worship

• How budgeting reflects biblical wisdom

• Lessons from Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace principles

• Why generosity and tithing reflect trust in God

Key Bible Verses Mentioned

• Psalm 24:1

• Proverbs 10:4

• Proverbs 22:7

• Proverbs 21:5

• Luke 6:38

• Matthew 25:21

Reflection Questions

• Am I managing money as something I own, or something God entrusted to me?

• Is debt limiting my freedom or future opportunities?

• How can I grow in generosity and stewardship?

Final Thought

Stewardship is not just about money. It is about trust, responsibility, and honoring God with what He places in our hands.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to support, please SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode of On Solid Ground, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson dive into the connection between physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual stewardship.

After surviving a cartel attack in Mexico and navigating a difficult recovery, Kenny shares how depression and loss of identity led him to neglect his health and gain nearly 30 pounds. But through faith, discipline, and the mental toughness program 75 Hard, he began rebuilding both his body and mindset.

This conversation explores why honoring your health is not just about fitness. It is about stewardship, resilience, and preparing yourself to handle the unexpected challenges of life.

Your ability to move through crisis is often determined by the habits you build long before the crisis arrives.

In This Episode

• Why the Bible calls our body a temple
• Kenny’s honest story of struggling with health after recovery
• How physical health affects mental strength and resilience
• The discipline behind the 75 Hard program
• The hidden cost of poor habits and lack of self-control
• A simple framework for checking your overall health

Key Takeaways

• Resilience is built before the crisis.
• Discipline expands your ability to handle life’s challenges.
• Your daily habits shape your future strength.
• Honoring your body can be an act of worship.
• Small decisions compound into lasting transformation.

Scriptures Referenced

1 Corinthians 6:19
Proverbs 25:28
Hebrews 12:11
Psalm 139:14
Proverbs 3:7–8

Final Thought

Winning the war with yourself starts with winning the day.

And when your life is built on the cornerstone of Christ, you can keep moving forward and build your life on solid ground.

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THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode of On Solid Ground, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson explore what it really means to act like a Christian and how faith shows up in everyday life.

They discuss the difference between being saved by grace and living a transformed life, and how true faith produces visible fruit over time. The conversation dives into conviction, repentance, spiritual growth, and the daily decisions that shape a Christian walk.

Kenny shares how his life changed after surrendering to Christ and how everyday choices, speech, attitude, and relationships became areas of intentional growth. Shannon reflects on conviction, humility, and how sanctification unfolds differently for each believer.

This isn't a podcast from experts. It's two friends walking out their faith, learning, wrestling with Scripture, and choosing to live differently because of Jesus.

If you're exploring faith, growing in faith, or trying to live it out more intentionally, you're welcome here.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Acting like a Christian vs simply claiming Christianity
• Grace vs works and how faith produces transformation
• Conviction, repentance, and spiritual growth
• How everyday behavior becomes worship
• Leading others through example
• Speech and personal conviction
• Humility and overcoming comparison
• Being ready to share your faith
• Living faithfully in difficult circumstances
• Love is the defining mark of a Christian

Scriptures Referenced

• Ephesians 2:8–9 — Saved by grace through faith
• Matthew 7:16 — You will know them by their fruit
• 1 Peter 3:15 — Be ready to give an answer
• Matthew 15:11 — What comes out of the mouth reflects the heart
• Matthew 7:24–25 — Building life on the Rock

Key Takeaways

• Being a Christian is more than belief; it is a transformation
• Conviction is part of spiritual growth
• Our daily actions can become worship
• Faith becomes visible through love and humility
• We are not saved by works, but true faith produces fruit

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and stay on the journey with us as we continue learning what it means to build our lives on solid ground.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode of On Solid Ground, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson dive into what it truly means to follow Christ in your career. They explore the tension between ambition and obedience, success and surrender, identity and occupation.

Is your career something you control, or something you steward? Are you building a platform for yourself, or allowing God to build something through you?

Kenny reflects on how personal development shaped his early career and how coming to Christ reframed his understanding of calling. Shannon shares insights about aligning work with purpose and trusting God even when direction is unclear. 

This conversation challenges listeners to examine whether their professional lives are rooted in self-effort or built on the solid ground of Jesus. Because success without surrender is still sand.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• career as calling vs career as identity

• ambition, drive, and surrendering outcomes to God

• working for God, not just for people

• trusting God in seasons of transition

• success without Christ vs success surrendered to Christ

• stewardship of talents and opportunities

• faith in the workplace

• building a career on solid ground

Scriptures Referenced

• Colossians 3:23–24 – Work as unto the Lord

• Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your plans to the Lord

• Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the Kingdom

• Luke 16:10 – Faithful in little, faithful in much

• Proverbs 22:29 – Skilled work leads before kings

Key Takeaways

• Your career is a platform for stewardship, not identity

• Calling is discovered through surrender, not control

• Excellence honors God when rooted in humility

• Success built without Christ will not last

• When Jesus is the foundation, work becomes worship

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone navigating career decisions, and stay on the journey with us as we continue learning what it means to build our lives on solid ground.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode of On Solid Ground, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson have an honest conversation about the role of friendship in the life of a Christian man. They talk about gratitude, vulnerability, and the importance of having people you can call when life gets heavy.

From old friendships and new connections to the idea of being intentional in building community, this episode explores what it means to have friendships that sharpen, encourage, and pull us closer to Christ.

The conversation also dives into practical ways to stay connected, including Kenny’s daily appreciation message habit and the deeper question of who you trust to walk with you through life’s hardest moments. Together, they reflect on how true spiritual friendships are built through time, trust, prayer, and shared faith.

This is not a podcast from experts. It is two friends learning, growing, and trying to live differently because of Jesus. If you are seeking deeper relationships, accountability, and real brotherhood, this episode will speak to you.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• the importance of gratitude and intentional positivity

• having friends you can call during difficult seasons

• old friendships vs new friendships in different seasons of life

• being selective and intentional about who you share with

• the power of encouragement and staying connected

• daily habits that strengthen relationships

• community vs transactional networking

• choosing friends who pull you closer to Christ

• praying for God to bring the right people into your life

Scriptures Referenced

• Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another

• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – Two are better than one

• Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times

• Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage one another and build each other up

• Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with the wise and become wise

• 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad company corrupts good character

• Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love

• Proverbs 18:24 – A friend who sticks closer than a brother

Key Takeaways

• Friendship is not accidental, it requires intention and effort

• Real friends listen, encourage, and stand with you in adversity

• Spiritual friendships should move you closer to Christ

• Community matters more than transactional relationships

• Being a great friend is the best way to find great friends

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and stay on the journey with us as we continue learning what it means to build our lives on solid ground.

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe

In this episode, Kenny Barnwell and co-host Shannon Thompson continue the conversation on family life by focusing on parenting through a biblical lens.

They talk openly about the challenges, responsibilities, and blessings of raising children while trying to follow Christ.

From discipline and patience to prayer and leading by example, this conversation centers on what it means to be a godly parent in everyday life.

This is not a conversation from experts. It is two fathers learning in real time, leaning on Scripture, and doing their best to raise their children with love, structure, and faith.

If you are a parent, hoping to be one, or simply reflecting on the impact of your own upbringing, this episode is an honest look at the journey of raising kids while building your life on solid ground.

What we talk about:

• the responsibility and blessing of being a Christian parent

• discipline, patience, and learning self-control

• training children through example, not just instruction

• the role of prayer, church, and daily habits in the home

• baptism, faith, and helping kids grow into their own beliefs

• how Scripture guides parenting decisions

• the importance of consistency and presence

• planting seeds of faith that grow over time

Scriptures referenced:

• Proverbs 22:6

• Ephesians 6:1–4

• Hebrews 12:7–11

• Proverbs 17:6

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who might need it, and stay on the journey with us as we continue learning what it means to build our lives On Solid Ground in Christ

THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe