Every follower of Jesus is called to grow in their faith, but the journey doesn’t stop there. The real impact of the Gospel is multiplied when believers move beyond personal growth and step into the role of disciple-makers. This shift isn’t just about deepening our relationship with Christ—it’s about actively sharing our faith and investing in others to do the same.
This guide will explore the key steps, principles, and practices that youth pastors can take to help their students make this essential transition, so they can effectively carry out the mission Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18-20—to make disciples of all nations.
Why It Matters: Ensuring the Movement Keeps Growing
Becoming a disciple-maker in youth ministry isn’t just a next step—it’s essential. It’s how we keep the Gospel alive and active in today’s world. As each person is equipped to disciple others, the reach of the Gospel multiplies, creating a legacy of faith that’s strong enough to withstand challenges and big enough to spread far and wide. Each time a youth pastor helps a student move from being a disciple to becoming a disciple-maker, we’re not just growing their faith—we’re building a global community of Gospel-advancing believers who are ready to carry the mission forward.
The Ripple Effect: Multiplying the Gospel Impact
When discipleship is a major focus in your ministry and you begin to create disciples who become disciple-makers, the Gospel’s impact doesn’t just add up—it multiplies. As you disciple the teens in your ministry, students will shares the Gospel and train someone else to do the same, and that will set off a chain reaction of faith. Suddenly, it’s not just one person being reached, it’s an ever-expanding network of new believers who are equipped to keep the movement going. This is how we spark spiritual revivals on a global scale!

The Transition: What It Looks Like to Become a Disciple-Maker
Helping students make the move from disciple to disciple-maker takes intentional effort, but it’s totally doable. Show them that it starts with being committed to your personal walk with Jesus—through prayer, studying the Bible, and living out your faith. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ve got to find mentors, stay accountable, and learn how to share your faith in a way that’s real and relatable.
Be sure to regularly help your students know this transition isn’t just a solo journey—it’s a team effort. It’s about connecting with others and building authentic relationships. You can create a space where students can grow in their faith and help others do the same.
Teach your students these principles:
- Pursue Spiritual Maturity – Keep growing in your faith and make it your mission to reflect Jesus in every part of your life.
- Stay in Prayer and the Word – Make time every day for prayer and studying the Bible to deepen your relationship with God.
- Find Mentors and Stay Accountable – Surround yourself with others who will challenge you and encourage you to grow.
- Share the Gospel with Confidence – Learn how to clearly communicate the message of Jesus and how He’s changed your life.
- Build Authentic Relationships – Build strong relationships where discipleship and connections can thrive.
- Invest in Your Community – Pour your time, energy, and love into the people around you and watch what God does through your efforts.
Core Values of a Gospel Advancing Movement
To spark a Gospel Advancing movement, start with prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit—we need God’s power to guide us in sharing the Gospel. From there, it’s about sharing the Gospel personally, making disciples who make disciples, and being intentional about both evangelism and discipleship.
- Pray Constantly – Prayer isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s essential for seeking God’s direction and power.
- Make Disciples Who Make Disciples – When you help others grow in their relationship with God, teach them to do the same for someone else.
- Be Intentional – Have a plan for evangelism and discipleship: for yourself and those you lead.
How do you know if your students are really growing towards becoming disciple-makers and creating momentum for this Gospel Advancing movement? Here’s what it looks like:
- Their Faith is Growing – You’re seeing growth in their personal relationship with Jesus.
- They Rely on Prayer More – They’re leaning into prayer, asking God for guidance and strength daily.
- They’re Discipling Others – They’re actively investing in others, and the number of disciples around them is growing.
- More Students are Growing – The people that are being discipled are stepping up to lead and disciple others.
- Your Community is Impacted – Your students’ faith is spilling over into the world around you, changing lives and creating a Gospel-centered culture.
Ready to Raise Up Disciple-Makers? Let’s Do This!
If you want your youth ministry to be filled with students who aren’t just learning the Gospel but are also living it out and spreading it with their worlds, take a look at becoming a Gospel Advancing Ministry. We’re here to help you equip and empower students to not only be disciples but also to grow into disciple-makers. Join the movement. Let’s make disciples who make disciples and watch the Gospel spread like never before!
Become a Gospel Advancing Ministry