Building Faith Through Community

By: Allison Skinner (10)
Since beginning as a discipleship group leader in August 2023, Anne Rost has found purpose in guiding students through faith and fellowship. Although the opportunity was met with hesitation at first, prayer ultimately led to a confident yes.
“My gut reaction was, no, I didn't think I was the right person,” Rost shared. “But after praying about it, I decided to say yes.”
To Rost, discipleship is more than weekly meetings, it’s about building a lasting community.
“It’s being a family, taking something away each day, and sharing it with others,” she explained. The goal is simple but powerful–helping students realize that faith is personal.
“I hope students walk away knowing they can have a personal relationship with Jesus,” she said.
The most rewarding part of leading has been forming meaningful connections and sharing God’s word with students. Rather than focusing on obstacles, Rost views challenges as moments for spiritual growth.
“I try not to see things as challenges, but as what you need to grow spiritually,” she said.
For students unsure about joining a discipleship group, the advice is straightforward.
“Just get involved. Find a group of peers and a mentor,” Rost said.
Leading discipleship has also strengthened Rost’s own faith, providing more time for reflection and deepening her prayer life.
“My prayer life is strengthened through prep and by seeking out information that is applicable to us in the stage of life the girls are in and it leads me back to the Bible and by praying to God to lay a topic on my heart,” she said.
Through shared experiences and mutual growth, discipleship continues to shape both students and leaders alike.
