Forward in Faith | Summer 2025
Perimeter Elder Arnold Barlow became a Christian in high school after a friend shared Cru’s “Four Spiritual Laws” pamphlet with him. Determined to grow, he read the entire Bible three times and many Christian books, but something was missing. Arnold said, “My information was increasing, but the application was not changing.”
“You are valuable enough that God wants to use you in the lives of other people. And other people are valuable enough that God wants to use you to help them.” — Arnold’s perspective on discipleship.
That changed in college when he met a man named Jon. Arnold saw that Jon didn’t just know about God—he walked with Him. Jon invited Arnold into a discipleship group, and for the first time, spiritual growth gained traction. Arnold learned to study the Bible for application, to pray, memorize Scripture, and share his faith—all because Jon took time to invest in him.
Eventually, Arnold began leading discipleship groups himself. What struck him most was that “God could and would use even me, an average guy, to make a difference in the lives of other men.” Just as Jon had invested in Arnold, Arnold was now investing in others. He realized this was his life’s calling.
After college, Arnold traveled to Eastern Europe to train disciples. Then, he had a successful business career and now he travels the world consulting. Through it all, he’s continued to make and train disciples of Christ—especially men in their twenties, a strategic age as they establish life foundations.
For years, Arnold has opened his home to young men seeking intentional Christian community. “Everybody moves in with the intention to grow in their walk with Christ,” he says. Through daily life and formal discipleship groups, they develop spiritual disciplines and gain wisdom for the road ahead. Many go on to disciple others.
Remarkably, since 1988, more than 70 men have been a part of this intentional community.
“It’s definitely not a model most people will follow,” laughs Arnold, “but it’s been my joy to invest in the lives of men God places here.”
Header Photo: A picture of spiritual multiplication. The generations of men and families shaped by Arnold’s discipleship.
