NewCity Stories: Discipleship is Intentional Friendship

In this episode, Benjamin Kandt sits down with JD Widhalm, Michael Hampl, and Dylan Yost. The discussion revolves around Dylan’s journey to faith and how the community at NewCity played a significant role in his transformation. Dylan shares how he initially connected with the church through friendships, particularly with JD, Michael, and Ben. His journey began with social interactions—working out at a park, attending backyard wrestling nights, and engaging with community members who welcomed him before he believed. Despite feeling out of place at first, he was drawn to the kindness, authenticity, and intentionality of the people around him.

Over time, Dylan’s curiosity about Christianity deepened. He was given a Bible and began reading the Gospel of Mark, leading to spiritual encounters that helped him recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. Conversations with JD and others helped him process his experiences, and after a period of contemplation, he committed to following Jesus. The podcast highlights the power of organic, relational evangelism—how simply living life with gospel intentionality can impact someone’s faith journey. Dylan’s story reflects a patient, community-driven approach to discipleship, where love, curiosity, and personal conviction ultimately led him to embrace Christianity.