Amid the hustle and bustle of college life, student-led discipleship groups provide a foundation for students to experience fellowship and spiritual growth. These groups offer a chance to navigate the challenges of college while building a strong base of faith and community.
The discipleship groups, known as “D groups,” grow within the campus walls and are led by California Baptist University students who aim to build disciples through structured study of the Bible or devotional books. Understanding why and how to become a disciple remains central to the D group experience. These practices often extend beyond the group, influencing participants’ everyday lives.
Kiera Martinez, sophomore business administration (management) major, co-led a D group and began her journey during her freshman year.
“I remembered the impact that it had on me—not only with my faith but also finding like-minded girls at CBU. The experience that I had with my freshman year D group is something that I wanted others to experience,” Martinez said.
Being part of a D group encourages accountability in spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and prayer. It also reinforces the importance of living intentionally in faith.
“It has taught me the importance of knowing and studying the word and has taught me useful evangelism skills that have helped me share the gospel,” Martinez said.
Ben Kang, senior business administration major, led a D group and saw his relationships with other students grow deeply.
“Throughout my life, I’ve had a lot of people come and go. With these fellas, not only do we like the same things and enjoy partaking in activities together, our lives are pointed in the same direction; we are running the same race,” Kang said. Together, they helped one another grow in faith.
These groups emphasizes the importance of a faith-based community and the spiritual growth the Bible encourages. While each D group differs in weekly structure, a typical meeting for Kali VanDalen, sophomore history major and D group leader, includes catching up, praying, and going through a weekly lesson. Her group currently focuses on different ways to engage with the Bible—reading, listening, meditating or studying. They also foster community through meals or casual time together.
“I looked at mentors who I wanted my life to be structured like, and I saw that they made disciples who make disciples,” Kang said. Inspired by his mentors, Kang established a board of directors for his group—including church elders, pastors and CBU staff—to provide structure and support. While student leaders poured into others, they also needed their own spiritual cups to be filled.
For students interested in starting a D group, VanDalen offered advice: “Be prepared for big conversations, be ready to be humbled, dedicate yourself to the word.” She emphasized the importance of not leading a group alone or without God.
Kang added, “You cannot lead a D group without having your sin exposed.”
As students face the demands of college life, discipleship groups offer spiritual grounding and meaningful relationships. Through shared faith, intentional community, and gospel-centered learning, D groups equip students to grow and to share the love of Christ with others.
