Axis Conversations The Big Conversation: Doubt, Discipleship, and Following Jesus in the Internet Age
Mar 10, 2026
Brock Trexler, a youth pastor with a decade in ministry and a master’s in spiritual formation, shares stories from discipling teens. Conversations jump between how the internet shapes belief, AI as a spiritual advisor, and creating mentor-led spaces for wrestling with doubt. He also recounts a surprising healing at a youth conference and practical approaches for forming faith over time.
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Internet Shapes Expectation For Immediate Answers
- John Eldridge's idea: the internet shapes souls toward immediacy, skepticism, and pragmaticism, altering how people form discipleship habits.
- Panelists (Brock Trexler, Kate Watson, Jenna Vindell) argue the internet heightens preexisting cultural tendencies rather than inventing them.
Discipleship Is A Slow Wrestling Process
- Traditional discipleship models Jesus as a slow, story-driven teacher who invites wrestling and long-term formation rather than instant transformation.
- Brock Trexler notes parables and agricultural metaphors show growth occurs over time and through mystery.
AI Appeals Because It's Available And Nonjudgmental
- Young people sometimes prefer AI for spiritual questions because it's always available and nonjudgmental, not necessarily because it's wiser.
- Jenna Vindell links this to accessibility and the desire for quick, nonconfrontational answers.