Faith & Finance with Rob West
Discipleship often sounds like something that requires a large program, a curriculum, or a major church initiative. But what if it’s far simpler than that? What if discipleship often begins with just one intentional relationship? Sometimes a single faithful conversation—repeated over time—can shape how we follow Christ in every area of life, including our finances. Today, we spoke with Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, about a simple discipleship model that has quietly transformed lives for decades. And it all begins with one person investing in another.

Discipleship often sounds like something that requires a large program, a curriculum, or a major church initiative. But what if it’s far simpler than that? What if discipleship often begins with just one intentional relationship?
Sometimes a single faithful conversation—repeated over time—can shape how we follow Christ in every area of life, including our finances.
Today, we spoke with Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, about a simple discipleship model that has quietly transformed lives for decades. And it all begins with one person investing in another.Years ago, Howard made a simple commitment: each year, he would intentionally walk alongside one person.
They would read Scripture together, discuss what God was teaching them, and reflect on how those truths applied to their lives. Alongside Scripture, they would read a few formative Christian books and meet regularly to talk through what they were learning.
But there was one small request.
At the end of the year, the person being discipled would commit to doing the same thing with someone else. That simple multiplication strategy became known as the “One More” program—disciple one person each year and invite them to do the same.

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Over time, the reading list has evolved, but the goal has always remained the same: to encourage deep spiritual formation.
Some of the books commonly used in the process include:
Each of these works invites believers to reflect deeply on their relationship with God. But as Brian Holtz explained, the real power isn’t in the book list. It’s in the relationship.
The conversations that happen as we discuss what God is teaching—how Scripture shapes decisions, priorities, and daily life—become the true treasure of the process.
For Brian, this model of discipleship became deeply personal. Nearly a decade ago, his family had just relocated across state lines for work. Everything felt unsettled—his job, church, and even family rhythms. Nothing seemed to be falling into place.
Then a friend invited him into this simple discipleship process: reading Scripture and a few books together over the course of a year.
What began as a small commitment ended up transforming nearly every area of his life.
What started as one faithful investment became a turning point in Brian’s life—and he has since walked many others through the same journey.
For many believers, the idea of discipling someone else can feel intimidating. We imagine complicated programs or advanced theological training.
But Brian offers a far simpler starting point. Don’t read books alone anymore.
Invite someone to read with you—whether it’s Scripture, a devotional, or a Christian book. Meet regularly, talk about what you’re learning, and discuss how those truths apply to your life.
That’s it. One conversation at a time.
Discipleship rarely begins with a platform or a program.
More often, it starts with a single faithful relationship—two people opening Scripture together, asking honest questions, and encouraging one another to follow Christ more closely. And when that investment is repeated again and again, the impact multiplies in ways we may never fully see.
One conversation. One relationship. One more life shaped for eternity.
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