Episode 41

EP41: I Hated YDisciple… with Lauren Riggs

September 21st, 2026

28 mins 42 secs

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About this Episode

About this Episode

What happens when a teenager who once said, “I hate YDisciple,” eventually becomes a YDisciple mentor—and discovers that she actually loves it?

In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Lauren Riggs, a former YDisciple small group member, former mentor, NET Missionary, and current NET Mission Staffer. Lauren shares her unique experience of seeing YDisciple from both sides of the small-group relationship.

Lauren remembers her own experience as a teenager: watching videos in a dark room, falling asleep during confirmation, and feeling like there wasn't much real discussion happening. But when she returned as a mentor after high school, she discovered a very different approach. Instead of simply moving through content, her small group focused on conversation, relationships, flexibility, and creating space for the girls to be themselves.

That experience became a powerful lesson in what YDisciple is actually trying to accomplish: programs don't make disciples—disciples do. Resources can help facilitate a conversation, but they can't replace the relationship between a mentor and a young person.

Ultimately, this episode is an encouragement to mentors and ministry leaders: you don't have to have all the answers, perfectly lead every conversation, or make every meeting go according to plan. Sometimes the most fruitful thing you can do is slow down, listen, empower your young people, and follow the pace of the Holy Spirit.

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  • Have questions? Email us at [email protected]
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  • Visit theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm to learn more about the podcast.

Reflection for This Week

Ask yourself:

  • Am I more focused on getting through my small group guide or on responding to the actual needs of my young people?
  • Where might I need to slow down and give a conversation more room to develop?
  • How can I create more opportunities for the young people I lead to take ownership of their faith and lead one another?