A gospel path for Christians who feel stuck.
Change begins with who God is, what Christ has done, and who we are in Him. Explore a biblical framework for everyday struggles, relationships, and decisions.For individuals, churches, and counselors.
THE VERTICAL MODELUpward. Inward. Outward.Eight biblical movements for individuals, churches, and counselors seeking Christ-centered growth. Begin with who God is, bring your struggles honestly before Him, and take the next faithful step.Use this framework flexibly—in personal reflection, discipleship, or biblical counseling. These movements are not eight required sessions or a rigid sequence.
V — View God
Begin with who God is and what He has said.E — Express the Ache
Bring suffering, fear, grief, and confession honestly before Him.R — Remember the Redeemer
Return to Christ’s finished work and the grace we receive in Him.T — Turn and Trust in God
Respond to His grace with repentance and faith.
I — In Step with the Spirit
Depend on the Spirit for the next faithful step.C — Connect to Community
Receive encouragement, care, and accountability in the life of the church.A — Abide in Christ
Return to communion with Christ through His Word, prayer, and the life of His people.L — Live for His Glory
Let His goodness become visible in ordinary acts of love.
THE BOOK · COMING SOONVERTICAL FORMATION
A Gospel Path for Christians Who Feel Stuck
By Christopher J. Bean, LMHCYou know the truths of the gospel. Yet old patterns can still feel stronger than what you believe.Through Scripture, personal experience, and fictionalized counseling stories, Vertical Formation brings eight biblical movements into the places where change is most difficult.Each chapter invites you to Look Up. Look Within. Live Out. Pray Vertical. Read on your own or alongside a trusted friend, pastor, or small group.Publication details will be shared here when available.
RESOURCESBegin with one real situation.Bring a struggle, relationship, or decision to these four invitations from the book. Take your time. Choose one small, faithful response.Look Up
Read a passage of Scripture. What does it show you about who God is?Look Within
What desires, fears, and loyalties are shaping your response? Distinguish suffering and harm done to you from your own responsibility.Live Out
What is one concrete act of faith or love you can take today?Pray Vertical
Turn what you have seen into an honest prayer within your actual circumstances.Walk with someone you trust.
Read a chapter with a friend or small group. Discuss what helped, name one next step, and pray together. Each person chooses what to share and the pace that serves them.VERTICAL FORMATION is a resource for Christian formation. It does not replace medical or mental health care, emergency support, or protection from abuse. Seeking appropriate care is faithful stewardship.
ABOUT CHRISChristopher J. Bean, LMHCChris is the founder of Vertical Formation and the author of the forthcoming book Vertical Formation: A Gospel Path for Christians Who Feel Stuck. A licensed mental health counselor with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Eastern Nazarene College, he brings clinical training and a Christ-centered perspective to faith, relationships, and personal change.Married, a father of nine through birth and adoption, and a grandfather to four, Chris draws on family life as well as professional experience. His approach is compassionate, practical, and rooted in the Reformed Christian tradition.He writes as someone who continues to need the truths he shares—pointing readers toward Scripture, dependence on Christ, the work of the Spirit, and life in the church.
Contact Vertical Formation[email protected]
verticalformation.orgVertical Formation LLC #1021
125 Church Street, Suite 170
Pembroke, MA 02359
United States