Deep Discipleship Podcast

EP 12 | Students Lead Bible Study

Youth ministry doesn’t just need more attendees—it needs more student leaders.In Episode 12 of the Deep Discipleship Podcast, Doug and Kellee sit down with Carson Powell from River Christian Church to talk about a powerful leadership model happening inside their ministry.Instead of students simply attending Bible study, high school students are learning the lesson… then turning around and teaching preteens the very next week.They lead games.They lead small groups.They teach the message.They mentor younger students.And the result?A discipleship culture where leadership multiplies.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why preteen ministry matters more than ever• How to build a student leadership pipeline• Why students learn deeper when they teach• How Deep Discipleship creates reproducible leadership• The importance of giving students leadership opportunities now—not someday• How one church is bridging the gap between kids ministry and student ministryThis conversation is packed with practical ideas and vision for youth pastors who want to move beyond attendance-driven ministry and build a true discipleship culture.Start your FREE trial of Deep Discipleship today and discover a year-long strategy designed to help students grow deeper in their faith and leadership.👉 Start Your Free Trial with Deep Discipleship at: https://deepdiscipleship.com

EP 11 | The 8 Roots of the Gospel (A Better Way to Disciple Students)

Youth ministry doesn’t need more topics—it needs a stronger foundation.In Episode 11 of the Deep Discipleship Training Podcast, Doug and Eric break down one of the most important frameworks behind Deep Discipleship: The 8 Roots of the Gospel.Too often, youth ministry falls into the “popcorn approach”—jumping from topic to topic and unintentionally leaving gaps in what students actually understand about their faith.This episode shows you a better way.Instead of scattered teaching, the 8 Roots create a clear, repeatable structure that ensures every student builds a complete, grounded faith before they graduate.Inside this episode, you’ll discover:• Why the “popcorn approach” leaves critical gaps in discipleship• The 8 Roots of the Gospel and how they shape every lesson• How to build a year-long discipleship strategy instead of random teaching• Why students need a full-picture understanding of Scripture—not just your favorite topics• How this framework builds confidence for leaders, parents, and church staffThe 8 Roots include:• Rescue• Knowledge• Kingdom• Worship• Identity• Community• Outreach• ApologeticsWhen students understand these, they don’t just attend youth group—they graduate with a faith that lasts.As Doug shares, the goal isn’t more content…it’s no gaps in discipleship.🔑 KEY TAKEAWAY• Clarity beats creativity.• Structure beats randomness.• And discipleship happens best when nothing is left out.🔔 Start Your Free Trial At: https://deepdiscipleship.com/students/#trial

EP 10 | 4 Retreats in Deep Discipleship That Make Your Youth Ministry Thrive

Retreats don’t have to be exhausting, last-minute, or shallow. In this episode of the Deep Discipleship Training Podcast, Doug Franklin and Kellee break down four powerful retreat experiences already built into Deep Discipleship—designed to help your youth ministry grow spiritually, relationally, and strategically.Whether you’re planning a DNow weekend, investing in student leaders, preparing a mission trip team, or training adult volunteers, this episode shows you how to do retreats with purpose—without reinventing the wheel.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How to run a DNow / Winter Retreat with fully done-for-you teaching, media, and small groups• Why the Student Leadership “Inner Armor” Retreat helps students lead from identity, not comparison• How to prepare students for mission trips with biblical depth, not just logistics• A proven way to turn adult volunteer training into a meaningful retreat experience• How Deep Discipleship gives you flexibility—retreat, weekly, or hybrid formatsIf retreats feel overwhelming—or you want them to actually move students deeper in their faith—this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a plan.👉 Start a FREE trial of Deep Discipleship and see how these retreats can transform your ministry: https://deepdiscipleship.com [https://deepdiscipleship.com]

EP 9 | Intentional Programming in Deep Discipleship

Reach. Grow. Go. A simple strategy that changes everything.In this episode of the Deep Discipleship Training Podcast, Doug and Kellee break down one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—parts of youth ministry: intentional programming.Youth pastors don’t fail because they don’t care. They burn out because everything feels scattered. This episode shows how Deep Discipleship provides a clear, biblical, and easy-to-communicate strategy that brings focus to your entire ministry.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How the Reach, Grow, Go framework simplifies your entire youth ministry strategy• Why most ministries feel busy—but still feel stuck• How to clearly communicate your ministry plan to parents, volunteers, and church leadership in under 30 seconds• How intentional programming helps balance outreach, discipleship, and student leadership• Practical ways to train adult volunteers without overwhelming themIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything but still questioning the impact—this episode will help you reset with clarity and confidence.👉 Start building a youth ministry that’s intentional, balanced, and deeply discipleship-focused.🎯 Start your free trial of Deep Discipleship today at https://deepdiscipleship.com [https://deepdiscipleship.com]

EP 8 | Student Leadership Made Simple - Deep Discipleship Tools That Work

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Deep Discipleship Podcast! In this episode, Doug Franklin and Kellee dive into student leadership and unpack how Deep Discipleship equips you with tools that actually work. You’ll discover: • Why traditional student leadership teams often fail—and what works instead • How the Leadership Pathway helps students grow step by step • Practical tools like assessments, empathy training, and leadership labs • How to challenge students in the “growth zone” (not comfort or panic) • Ways these same tools can even strengthen your adult volunteers Whether you’re just starting to build student leaders or refining your current approach, this episode gives you clear, actionable steps to develop leaders who will last. 👉 Start your free trial of Deep Discipleship today at: https://deepdiscipleship.com [https://deepdiscipleship.com]