Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt
Episode: True Discipleship: How to Live Like Jesus with Courtney Slovenski
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this heartfelt episode of Stay True, host Madison Prewett Troutt welcomes Courtney Slovenski, a dedicated disciple and leader in her community. The conversation delves deep into the essence of discipleship, exploring what it truly means to follow Jesus and how to cultivate and nurture this journey both personally and within the family.

How Madison and Courtney Met

Madison opens the discussion with a personal story about how she and Courtney became close friends. Madison shares her challenging postpartum experience and how Courtney, along with her husband Steve, provided crucial support during that time.

Madison (00:02:30):
"She quite literally saved my life when she saved Hosanna's life and my life. I was having a meltdown..."

Courtney recounts their meeting during Madison's stint on The Bachelor, highlighting the immediate spiritual connection they felt.

Courtney (08:07):
"When you walked in, I immediately said to Steve, 'She's a believer. She's a believer.'"
(08:07)

Their friendship blossomed through shared faith and mutual support, laying the foundation for impactful discipleship work together.

The Essence of Discipleship

Madison introduces the topic by emphasizing the significance of the term "disciple" in the New Testament, noting its prevalence compared to the term "Christian."

Madison (17:00):
"The word disciple is used like 260 times in the New Testament, compared to 'Christian' which is only used three times."

Courtney expands on this, stressing that true discipleship requires complete submission to Jesus’ will.

Courtney (18:22):
"If we believe in Jesus, we believe he's our master, which means that he is actually the one who sets the agenda, not us."
(18:22)

Practical Ways to Make Disciples at Home

Courtney outlines the foundational question every believer should ask themselves: "Are we truly disciples ourselves?" She emphasizes that personal discipleship is essential before guiding others.

Courtney (20:36):
"If you're not showing patience, they're gonna do what you do before they do what you say."
(20:36)

She provides practical advice on modeling biblical principles, such as obeying God's commands and demonstrating humility.

Courtney (21:16):
"If we're following him, we do what he says."
(21:16)

Raising Spiritual Children

The conversation shifts to raising children who are strong in their faith. Madison is particularly impressed by Courtney's ability to instill scripture memorization in her young children.

Madison (22:24):
"How did you start the spiritual disciplines with your kids at such a young age to where they can memorize and quote scripture the way they do?"
(22:24)

Courtney shares techniques such as using songs and hand motions to make scripture engaging and memorable for her children.

Courtney (26:40):
"We have a star chart on our pantry where every time they memorize a new verse, they get to put a star next to it."
(26:40)

Prayer Practices

Courtney introduces "Holy Spirit Hour," a daily prayer routine that involves the whole family. She explains how this practice has deepened their connection with God and fostered a prayerful atmosphere at home.

Courtney (28:08):
"We get up and typically I sit in the same chair with the Lord every morning. Most mornings when my kids come out, they'll join me and get their Bibles."
(28:08)

She emphasizes the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and aligning prayers with scripture.

Courtney (32:14):
"He whispers so that his children will lean into him, and as he whispers truth to you, you will be able to drown out the noise of the world."
(32:14)

The Cost of Discipleship

Madison and Courtney discuss the sacrifices involved in truly following Jesus. They highlight that while believing in Jesus doesn't cost anything, actively following Him requires everything.

Madison (74:58):
"What does it cost you to believe in Jesus? Nothing. What does it cost you to follow Jesus? Everything."
(74:58)

Courtney reinforces this by explaining that discipleship involves daily surrender and prioritizing God's will over personal desires.

Courtney (75:00):
"Everything."
(75:00)

They acknowledge the challenges and rewards of living a disciple-centered life, emphasizing that the ultimate reward is eternal life and profound personal fulfillment.

Local vs. Online Discipleship

The dialogue shifts to the importance of local discipleship versus virtual connections. Courtney advocates for in-person community and accountability, highlighting the limitations of online interactions.

Courtney (59:56):
"Spend alone time with Jesus and get to know him."
(59:56)

Madison echoes this sentiment, sharing her personal journey of overcoming "church hurt" and the vital role that local community plays in her faith.

Madison (63:08):
"The church is not a building. The church is not a place. The church is the people."
(63:08)

They discuss practical steps to engage with local communities, such as loving and serving neighbors, which are crucial for authentic discipleship.

The Role of the Church and Community

Madison shares her experiences with church and how faith communities have supported her through difficult times. Courtney emphasizes the necessity of a local church for growth, accountability, and collective worship.

Madison (62:15):
"We need the church. We need people around us. It's not a building. The church is the people."
(62:15)

Courtney responds by encouraging listeners to connect with neighbors and actively participate in local church activities to foster strong, supportive relationships.

Courtney (67:47):
"Make your neighbor dinner, make your neighbor a plate of cookies, whatever it is. Get to know your neighbors."
(67:47)

Encouragement and Closing Prayer

As the episode nears its end, Madison and Courtney offer heartfelt encouragement to listeners, especially those struggling with their faith or experiencing church-related hurts. Courtney urges listeners to maintain a personal relationship with Jesus beyond external influences.

Courtney (59:43):
"Be a follower of Jesus yourself. You can get so much from people who are wise, but unless I am spending time with my Bible open, reading the word of God for myself, then I become a follower of followers."
(59:43)

Madison summarizes the discussion by reinforcing the transformative power of discipleship and the importance of daily commitment to Jesus.

Madison (76:11):
"Will it come at a cost? Yes. Will you gain everything? Yes."
(76:11)

The episode concludes with a powerful prayer led by Courtney, invoking God's guidance and support for listeners to deepen their discipleship journey.

Courtney (78:08):
"Lord, may we turn every blessing we've been given back into praise... May we be willing and may we say yes."
(78:08)

Madison expresses her gratitude for Courtney’s insights, emphasizing the episode’s impact and encouraging listeners to engage further with Courtney’s resources for raising godly children.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Discipleship: Before making disciples, ensure your own life is a testament to following Jesus genuinely.

• Raising Spiritual Children: Utilize engaging methods like songs and hand motions to instill scripture memorization in children.

• Prayer Practices: Incorporate family prayers and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance and encouragement.

• Sacrifice and Reward: Discipleship requires significant personal sacrifice but offers profound spiritual rewards.

• Local Community: Engage with local church communities and neighbors to foster authentic relationships and grow in faith.

• Personal Relationship with Jesus: Maintain a direct and personal relationship with Jesus, rather than relying solely on external influences or fellow believers.

Notable Quotes

• Courtney Slovenski (08:07):
  "When you walked in, I immediately said to Steve, 'She's a believer.'"

• Courtney Slovenski (18:22):
  "If we believe in Jesus, we believe he's our master, which means that he is actually the one who sets the agenda, not us."

• Courtney Slovenski (26:40):
  "We have a star chart on our pantry where every time they memorize a new verse, they get to put a star next to it."

• Courtney Slovenski (32:14):
  "He whispers so that his children will lean into him, and as he whispers truth to you, you will be able to drown out the noise of the world."

• Madison Pruitt Trout (74:58):
  "What does it cost you to believe in Jesus? Nothing. What does it cost you to follow Jesus? Everything."

• Madison Pruitt Trout (76:11):
  "Will it come at a cost? Yes. Will you gain everything? Yes."

This episode serves as a profound exploration of what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus, offering both theological insights and practical steps for integrating faith into everyday life. Whether you're seeking to deepen your own discipleship or looking to guide others, Madison and Courtney provide invaluable wisdom and encouragement to help you stay true to your values and beliefs.