Walking the Path of Discipleship on Ben Nevis

On a bright Sunday morning, 6th July, a small group from Inverness Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, led by Pr Wil Masih—a keen trekker and Personal Ministries Sponsor for the Scottish Mission—set out to climb the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. But this was no ordinary hike. It was intentionally framed as a discipleship walk, where physical challenge met spiritual formation, and every step became an opportunity for reflection, connection, and witness.

A Climb with Purpose

Equipped with the right mindset, the group began their ascent. From the outset, they were encouraged by Pr Wil Masih to see the mountain not simply as a destination, but as a living metaphor for following Jesus. The steep, stony path soon became a parable of the Christian life, marked by effort, perseverance, encouragement, and grace.

What set this walk apart was the spirit with which it was undertaken. It was a reminder that discipleship should never be left at the church door or in the pews; it was brought alive on the mountain. Pauses for rest turned into moments of prayer. Laughter with friends led to interesting conversations about faith. Scenic viewpoints became places for Scripture reflections. Along the way, the Gospel became something not only spoken, but embodied in kindness, hospitality, and presence.

Conversations that Mattered

Every interaction on the trail held the potential for impact. From the first “Hello” to fellow hikers, the group committed to being warm, approachable, and spiritually present. What followed were a series of small but sacred moments: a word of encouragement to a tired couple, a helping hand on a steep incline, and greetings to families of hikers that brought smiles.

A few hikers even paused to share their experience of walking to the top and back. Some hikers shared words of encouragement for the small group, while others were encouraged by us. All our conversations, whether brief or for a few minutes, became gentle testimonies of a Christian community in action. One hiker we spoke with remarked, “It’s rare to see people so approachable on the mountain. You’ve made my day.”

Discipleship in Everyday Encounters

Due to extreme weather later on in the day, the group were not able to reach the summit of the mountain, but what they gained was far more meaningful than a view from the top. They learned that discipleship is not about dramatic gestures or grand accomplishments. It’s about being present. It’s about looking people in the eye, offering a word of hope, and living your faith with integrity, wherever you are.

This walk on Ben Nevis showed that discipleship isn’t confined to sermons or study guides. It flourishes in shared meals on a mountainside, in the humility of knowing your physical limits, and in the willingness to let others see your faith lived out in simple, everyday ways.

Faith that Walks with Others

As the group descended, tired but deeply moved, they reflected on the true summit of the day, not the mountain’s peak, but the trusted friendships built and moments shared along the way. Pr Wil Masih reminded the group that “Discipleship is not just a private pursuit but a shared journey. It calls us to walk alongside others, to listen, to speak truth in humility, and to embody the grace we’ve received."

This hike became a quiet revolution: a reclaiming of discipleship as something active, relational, and real. It reminded the group that to follow Jesus is to meet others where they are on the road, in their struggles, and in the joy of walking together.

Plans are already underway for the next step: climbing the three highest peaks in the UK. But wherever the trail leads, the lesson is clear, discipleship is not just about reaching summits but about choosing to walk with God and others every step of the way.

If you want to join the next discipleship adventure, please feel free to contact Pr Wil Masih.