040 : The Importance of Discipleship with Eden Benton
The Importance of Discipleship: A Conversation with Eden Benton
In this episode of The Refined Sisterhood podcast, Kait and I sit down with our dear friend Eden Benton to dive into the powerful topic of discipleship. Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian faith, but in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook or underestimate its significance. Together, we explore what discipleship truly looks like, why it’s so important, and how we can actively engage in making disciples in our own lives.
What is Discipleship?
At its core, discipleship is about following Jesus and helping others follow Him too. It’s not just a Bible study or a program at church—it’s a life-on-life commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus and making His love known to the world. Jesus called His disciples to make more disciples, and He continues to call us to do the same (Matthew 28:19-20).
In this episode, Eden shares her passion for discipleship and how it’s shaped her life and ministry. Discipleship is about building deep, personal relationships where we encourage, challenge, and equip each other to grow in our faith. It’s a journey that doesn’t end—it’s a lifelong process of learning, growing, and sharing the Gospel.
Why Discipleship is Crucial
Discipleship is one of the most essential aspects of our walk with God. It’s through discipleship that we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, strengthen our faith, and learn to live out our calling. But it’s not just about knowledge—it’s about transformation. As we walk with others in their faith, we also grow closer to Jesus and become more like Him.
Eden emphasizes that discipleship is about more than just learning—it's about living. It’s about applying what we know to our everyday lives and helping others do the same. Through discipleship, we become part of God’s mission to reach the world with His love and truth.
Discipleship: A Lifelong Process
Discipleship isn’t a quick fix or a one-time event—it’s a lifelong commitment. We are always in the process of becoming more like Christ, and that journey is best done in community with others. Eden shares how discipleship can look in different stages of life, from one-on-one mentoring relationships to small groups and even large church communities.
Each season of life may look different in terms of how we engage in discipleship, but the call to make disciples remains the same. Whether you’re discipling a friend, leading a Bible study, or being mentored by someone further along in their faith, discipleship is essential for our growth as followers of Jesus.
How to Get Involved in Discipleship
Discipleship can seem like a daunting task, but Eden reminds us that it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers. You simply need to be willing to invest in the lives of others and point them to Jesus. Here are some practical ways you can get involved in discipleship:
Start with Relationship: Discipleship is about relationships, not programs. Get to know someone, listen to their struggles, and build a connection. Through that relationship, you can begin to guide them in their faith.
Be Intentional: Discipleship requires intentionality. Set aside time to meet with others, study the Bible together, and pray for one another. Make discipleship a priority in your life.
Live Out Your Faith: The best way to disciple others is to live out your own faith. Show others what it looks like to follow Jesus through your actions, words, and choices.
Create Safe Spaces for Growth: Discipleship is about creating an environment where people can ask questions, wrestle with doubts, and grow at their own pace. Be patient and loving as you walk alongside others in their journey of faith.
Be Open to Being Discipled: Discipleship is not a one-way street. It’s just as important to have someone discipling you as it is to disciple others. Find a mentor who can pour into your life and help you grow in your faith.
The Impact of Discipleship
The impact of discipleship is far-reaching. As we invest in others, we help them grow in their relationship with Jesus, and in turn, they go out and make disciples of their own. This cycle of discipleship multiplies the love and message of Christ throughout the world. Each life touched by discipleship is part of God’s larger plan to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Closing Thoughts
Discipleship is not just an option for Christians—it’s a command. We are all called to make disciples and to live out our faith in community with others. As we disciple and are discipled, we grow closer to God and become more like Jesus. So, let’s embrace this calling and live with intentionality, love, and purpose as we make disciples and help others walk in the fullness of their relationship with Christ.
With love,
Maddie & Kait