Raising Young Disciple Makers: Rethinking Youth Ministry in Movements

“My teenagers need a youth group!” the parents told us as they explained why they would no longer join the regular disciple‑makers meeting. Their concern was genuine—like many parents, they wanted to ensure their children’s spiritual needs were met. But their anxiety revealed a deeper issue many families face: How do we best disciple the children and teenagers in our teams and disciple‑making groups?

This question invites us into meaningful conversations with parents about what discipleship truly looks like at home. While it can be uncomfortable, it is also an opportunity to return to a more biblical model—one where parents disciple their own children and young people are viewed not simply as consumers of programs, but as potential disciple‑makers themselves.

We must move away from the assumption that kids need to be entertained to grow spiritually. Instead, we should recognize that children and teenagers can have a tremendous spiritual impact in their schools, neighborhoods, and relational networks. When we reduce them to passive participants who must be “taught” or entertained, we miss the powerful ways God may want to use them in the life of a movement.

Testing a Discovery Approach as a Family

Years before we heard of DBS (Discovery Bible Study), we came across a seven‑step Bible study method designed for multiplying disciples. Curious, we decided to test it during family devotions. Our children were very young—our son barely two, our daughters in kindergarten and second grade—but we decided to see what would happen.

To our surprise, they engaged deeply. Our oldest loved reading Scripture aloud. Both girls offered insights during discussion that were thoughtful and often profound. At the end, we would ask, “What should we do this week to obey this passage?” Their ideas ranged from delivering meals to a sick neighbor to sharing Jesus’ stories with classmates.

Even at their young ages, they were capable of obeying, applying Scripture, and participating fully. These early experiences shaped a family culture where our children saw themselves as disciples—responsible to follow Jesus and capable of ministering to others.

Returning to the U.S. and a New Kind of Culture Shock

Years later, when we returned to the U.S. for furlough, our kids attended one of the best youth programs in our area. I expected them to love it. Instead, their response surprised me.

“Youth group is fun,” they said, “but it doesn’t disciple us or give us opportunities to be used by God. We don’t need more entertainment. We want to grow.”

Their honesty echoed a biblical truth: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young (1 Tim. 4:12). Young people long to be challenged, not entertained.

Principles for Discipling Families in DMMs

• Shift from entertaining to training.
  Let kids participate in DBS instead of separating them.
• Teach children their identity in Christ.
  They are royal priests, empowered by the Spirit.
• Cast vision for movement.
  Invite them—and their parents—to pray for their own relational networks.
• Expect more of them.
  God can use children to spark movements.
• Don’t always separate kids into their own groups.
  Include them in participatory, simple gatherings.
• Equip parents for their biblical responsibility.
  The home is the primary place where discipleship must occur.

Share Your Thoughts on Youth Ministry in Movements

None of this is easy. Our culture often pushes the opposite direction. But if we long to see movements grow—especially in the West—we must rethink how we view and disciple children.

• What is one small step you could take this week toward discipling the young people in your community?
• What challenges have you had in trying to involve children or youth in disciple-making?
• Share an example of a young person you know who has been making disciples in their sphere of influence.

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or on the Dare to Multiply Community.