Discipleship Stories

Disciplemaking isn't all smooth sailing. Even the most experienced and gifted disciplemakers can expect some bumps along the way. Rather than allow this to discourage us from trying, our local practitioners show us that we can learn from these failures and experience God's grace in the midst of it all.

Embarking on a life-on-life disciplemaking journey can come with costs. It can challenge us, it can cost us, it can be intimidating to start. But is it worth it? A diverse group of local practitioners weigh in with the fruit they have seen life-on-life disciplemaking bring to their lives.

As imperfect people working in a fallen world, ministry can get messy and discouraging. This advice from tested and effective disciplemakers show us we don't have to remain stuck and discouraged, but we can move forward in faith and see fruit on the other side.

We’ve heard the same thing from pastors for a long time: “No one ever discipled me.” While it’s not a universal experience, many pastors report feeling isolated and alone… but Mark’s church set out to change that, and it's reaping dividends in the best way. Could not love this more!

Kindway is a discipleship ministry that works with incarcerated men and women, preparing them for release and supporting their transition into the community. Executive Director Christine Money and Director of Development Communications Juan Martinez discuss Kindway's approach to discipleship, which involves getting to know people, asking questions, and creating a safe space for them to be genuine.

Rich Mendola didn't come from a Christian family, and had never been discipled. But he received an uncommonly clear vision to mentor others, eventually leading him to a lifetime of discipling international students. His steady faithfulness has yielded impressive fruit the world over.

A mom of three with a chemical engineering background, Jeanne defies most stereotypes of missions work. But her steadfast commitment to...

Jonathan and Stephanie Raymond didn’t take their faith seriously until well into their adult lives. Yet, these everyday believers have...

Seeing a specific need and sensing a strategic opportunity, Jason launched an inner-city ministry that is meeting real needs — and...

Garden City is a young church that decided to put transferable discipleship at the core of what they do. Their creative approach (and...

Discipleship Benefits Everyone. But don’t take our word for it — hear what these experienced local disciplemakers have to say about how...

As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We can all learn from the advice of these seasoned...

Not every discipleship story ends in success, but there is plenty God can do through our failures as well. Short Form:

Ulisses Machado shares how he left his home country, came to Ohio, and felt the immediate call of God to discipleship and Matthew 28....

Matt Dascenzo, on staff at Central Ohio Fellowship of Christian Athletes, met Cecil in a gas station, starting a life-changing journey of...

Aaron Starr has been living next to Shon and his family for over 20 years. Incarnational discipleship looks like holding morning bible...

Luke Walker, successful business owner of Luke's Auto in Columbus, Ohio, tells his story going from a troubled kid pursuing suicide to a...

How can you measure success in your discipleship relationships? Hear from multiple people about the moment for them. Short Form:

What are your biggest fears or barriers about engaging in life-on-life discipleship? Hear from multiple people about what they faced and...

Brandon and Isaac's story is a powerful example of how important mentorship can be. Isaac sought out Brandon because he knew that Brandon...