Why Investing in Discipleship Shapes the Future of Faith

When you think about making a lasting difference in the world, it is easy to picture big stages and loud applause. You might assume influence requires numbers. The larger the crowd, the greater the impact. Yet, the method Jesus used looked nothing like that. His plan for changing the world was simple. He focused on a few.

Jesus chose twelve ordinary people and poured His life into them. Through shared meals, quiet conversations, and long walks from town to town, He modeled what it means to know God and live with purpose. That same approach still works. You do not need a microphone or a title to transform lives. You need the willingness to walk with someone in truth and love.

Discipleship is not about creating clones or handing out answers. It is about teaching others how to follow Jesus by showing them what that looks like in real life. You do not lead by having every detail figured out. You lead by being present, honest, and willing to keep Christ at the center of every conversation. The goal is not to impress anyone. The goal is to equip them to know God for themselves.

If you have ever wondered who you are supposed to invest in, start with those already around you. Pay attention to who asks questions about faith. Notice who shows up regularly but seems unsure of their next steps. Discipleship begins by inviting someone to spend time with you. You do not need to announce it formally. Simply offer consistency. Meet for coffee. Share what you are learning. Ask about their challenges. Listen well.

The structure of discipleship can stay simple. Choose a book of the Bible to study together. Ask questions that move beyond facts into application. What does this passage reveal about God? What needs to change in your life because of it? What do you struggle to believe? The depth of the relationship grows as you create space for honest answers.

When you invest in someone spiritually, you become part of what God is building in their life. Their growth does not rest on your ability, but your presence matters. Encouragement during setbacks. Wisdom when confusion creeps in. Accountability in areas where discipline is hard to maintain. These are the small bricks that create strong foundations.

You may never see the full result of your investment, but that is not your responsibility. The impact of discipleship often stretches further than you will know. One life faithfully guided can lead to dozens more finding Christ down the road. Multiplication is baked into the design. Jesus did not stop with the twelve. Those twelve carried His message across the world. The same pattern repeats when you pour into others who then do the same.

In a time when formal church structures feel stretched thin and impersonal, relational discipleship becomes even more important. People need more than weekly services. They need real connection. They need someone who notices when they start to drift and cares enough to ask why. Discipleship fills the gaps that programs cannot reach.

You do not have to wait until you feel completely ready. You will grow as you lead. In fact, you will probably learn more than the person you are discipling. The process of walking alongside someone else forces you to rely on God in deeper ways. It sharpens your own understanding of Scripture. It strengthens your prayer life. The commitment benefits both of you.

Jesus left clear instructions. Go and make disciples. That is not reserved for pastors or scholars. It belongs to anyone who follows Him. If you are willing to make space in your schedule and heart for just one other person, you will be doing exactly what He asked. There is no fast track. No secret formula. Just the slow, steady work of showing up, pointing to truth, and watching God do what only He can do.

Estefania Galvan

Estefanía Galván is a Colombian Fashion & Textile Designer working between Colombia and Chicago, blending her passion for design with her unwavering faith in Jesus. As the founder of The MŌS brand, she creates intentional, custom-made pieces that inspire connection, authenticity, and conscious living. Embracing her God-assigned purpose to lead others to Christ, Estefanía uses her platform and ministry to reflect His love and guide others into a deeper relationship with Him.