For their good and His glory

25th annual discipleship retreat equips student leaders to point others to God through ministry

By Hannah Fultz

It’s far easier to see a sky full of stars when you step away from the normal rhythms of life and venture to the middle of nowhere. It also can be easier to behold the glory of the Lord. This was the case for a group of students who took a break from their busy schedules to attend a retreat at Scioto Hills Christian Camp and Retreat Center. Lying in hammocks and gazing up at the vast expanse above them, they got not only a deeper look at the brilliant night sky, but also a better glimpse of the God who created it and called them to serve Him in a very special way this school year. 

Every year, Cedarville University offers student-led Bible studies, called discipleship groups or “D-Groups.” Members gather weekly to dive into community, theology, accountability and prayer. 

Cedarville’s annual Discipleship Retreat exists to equip the D-Group leaders for effective service. 

This year’s retreat was especially noteworthy because it marked the 25th anniversary of discipleship ministry. Cedarville D-Groups have been pointing students to Jesus since 2001. 

“We take it from Psalm 1,” Aaron Cook, Director of Discipleship at Cedarville, said. “Our goal is to cultivate joy-filled, resilient, fruit-filled individuals for the good of others and the glory of God.” 

By taking these students on the retreat, Cook said he hoped it would help them treasure God and His Word, moving them toward a desire to see others do the same.  

“[The retreat is] a great way to disconnect from the pressures of school and spend time with the Lord in nature,” Lydia Bailey, a junior Nursing major, said.  

Bailey and her fellow leaders shared their testimonies, played games and cooked meals over the fire. Throughout the retreat, they enjoyed Scioto’s recreational activities like ziplining and swimming. Evenings culminated in worship, prayer and bonfires.  

The students also spent a lot of time in training sessions that taught them how to practically lead their D-Groups. From Q&A sessions to silly skits, they helped students reframe the way they think about discipleship. 

One idea Cook emphasized in the training sessions was the importance of faithfulness even in the small things. He explained that we should be less focused on the big, flashy events involving hundreds of people and more focused on individual relationships. The sweetest times of discipleship are often the one-on-ones with a leader who genuinely cares about you, knows you and wants to push you toward Christ. Although widespread impact may not always be seen, discipleship leaders can rejoice when even one heart is touched by the Gospel. 

“It’s not about being compelling,” Cook said. “It’s about being faithful.” 

Students and leaders were not the only ones who attended this year’s retreat. They were accompanied by Cedarville alumni who had led D-Groups during their years on campus. Now, these alumni were helping equip the next set of students to follow in their footsteps. 

Bailey walked away from the retreat knowing that as she deepened her relationship with the Lord, she could then better help other believers deepen theirs. 

“When we invest in our relationship with the Lord, He lets our cup overflow,” Bailey said. “My relationship with the Lord should naturally spill over to those around me. It is His work that enables me for discipleship.”  

Bailey was not the only one whose heart felt lighter after the retreat. Hannah Kimble, a sophomore Education student, attended the retreat preparing to lead a discipleship group for the first time. She was urged to dream about all that her girls could be in Christ. 

“Aaron talked a lot about dreaming for the people in our D-Group,” Kimble said. “Sometimes people get discouraged by their sin or their lack of growth, and you can encourage them that the Lord has good plans for them, even when they can’t see that themselves.” 

This very idea was the reason why Bailey initially applied to be a discipleship leader. During Bailey’s freshman year, her own discipleship leader at the time encouraged her to consider leading her own discipleship group. 

“One of the things we talk about at the retreat is seeing the Gospel potential in people,” Bailey shared, “and my DL definitely saw that in me.” 

Christ was truly placed in the center of this year’s retreat. Students were reminded that He will provide them with everything they need to lead others, and that He will perform unimaginable sanctifying work in the hearts of those they lead. It’s not about their abilities; it’s all about Him.  

For Kimble, she discovered this truth when the Lord laid 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 on her heart, “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  These verses give her a comforting assurance that God will help her as she serves others. 

As groups are now meeting and looking together at God’s Word, God is already at work as the 25th year of D-Groups begin. 

“We exist to know and encounter God, experience Him as good, and respond in praise,” Cook said. The discipleship retreat provided a launching pad for this to take place in D-Groups across campus.

Hannah Fultz is a junior communication major, an author, a radio DJ, and a social media content creator. She loves the Christmas season, hanging out with family and friends, and serving in her church’s middle school youth group.