What It Means to Be a Disciple Today
Recommended for You
•
15-Jun-2026
What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Christ today—and how is it different from the time of the Apostles? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers reflect on the heart of discipleship as it appears in Scripture: to be called by Jesus, transformed by Him, and sent on mission with Him.
They walk through key Gospel passages like the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, showing how discipleship begins with hearing Christ’s call (“Follow me”), continues through surrender and transformation (“I will make you”), and culminates in mission (“I will make you fishers of men”).
Along the way, they explore how modern life—especially distraction, technology, and comfort—can pull us away from that pattern of discipleship. They offer practical ways to return to the basics: daily prayer, Scripture reading, the Sacraments, and intentional habits of attention that keep us rooted in Christ.
This conversation also highlights a central truth of the Christian life: discipleship is not primarily our achievement, but our response to God’s initiative in us.
Watch Sacred Art with Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1140847
Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637
Watch Littlest Saints on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/801622
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
Up Next in Recommended for You
-
Ponder Creation with Eve | Catholic B...
Ponder creation as you embark on a serene journey, reflecting with Eve in this Catholic sleep story. In this Christian Bible bedtime story by Gwen Adams, listen as Eve reminisces about the beauty of the Garden of Eden. Let the soothing narration guide you into a peaceful slumber while contemplati...
-
100 Hearts: Betrayal and Forgiveness ...
The pain of betrayal by a trusted friend and the freedom born from forgiveness unfolds in two parallel dramas in the life of Blessed Clelia Merloni, Foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Professor Giulia de Magistris, a contemporary newly promoted school administrator. Each m...
-
The Our Father: Learning to Pray with...
We pray the Our Father so often that it can become easy to say the words without really hearing them. But this prayer, given to us by Jesus himself, is more than a familiar Catholic prayer—it is the perfect prayer, teaching us what to ask for and how to order our hearts toward God.
In this episo...
