EP32: From Programs to Discipleship: Stories from the Field with Nick Scanlan & Makenzie Conner (Live Podcast Recording)

Talking about small group discipleship is one thing. Actually implementing it is another.

Recorded live at the Youth Discipleship Sprint, Annie Grandell welcomes ministry leaders Makenzie Connor and Nick Scanlan to share what happened when they moved beyond traditional youth ministry models and embraced small group discipleship in their own parishes. From casting vision with pastors and parents to recruiting mentors, organizing groups, and navigating the inevitable growing pains, they offer an honest look at what it really takes to make discipleship work.

Throughout the conversation, they unpack practical strategies for building healthy mentor teams, creating flexible discipleship environments, and allowing the needs of students—not rigid programming—to shape the journey. They also discuss the importance of explaining the "why" behind every change, empowering volunteers to become mentors, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide conversations beyond the lesson plan.

Whether you're just beginning to explore small group discipleship or looking to strengthen what you've already started, this episode is filled with practical encouragement from leaders who have walked the road themselves.

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Ask yourself:

• What's one step I could take to move from running programs to building relationships?
• Who in my parish might already be waiting for an invitation to become a mentor?
• Where might God be asking me to trust the process instead of trying to control every outcome?

Pray for the courage to take the next faithful step in your ministry, trusting that God often works most powerfully through simple relationships and ordinary people who say "yes."