Relational discipleship is more than a strategy—it’s the way of Jesus. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to move beyond programs and curriculum into the slow, sacred work of walking with students and families over time. Whether you’re burned out, discouraged, or just hungry to see lasting fruit, we’ll look at how relational discipleship offers hope not just for the teens we serve, but for us, too. This session will draw from Scripture, real-life stories, and practical frameworks to help youth ministers, volunteers, and parents build rhythms of presence, trust, and gospel-rooted transformation.
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the episode on YouTube!
Relational Discipleship
What does it look like to disciple teenagers the way Jesus discipled his followers? In this Rooted 2025 workshop, Brian Dye explores Jesus’ model of relational discipleship in Mark 3, where Jesus first calls the disciples to be with him and then sends them out to preach. Dye challenges youth ministers to see discipleship not simply as teaching students biblical knowledge, but as inviting them into our lives so they can see the gospel lived out. Rather than simply giving students the basics, relational discipleship creates space for young people to experience the intimacy of community and grow to make disciples themselves.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How Jesus modeled relational discipleship with his own disciples
- Why the goal of discipleship is not just maturity, but multiplication
- How to see potential in students rather than defining them by their current behavior
- How youth ministries can become more like a family through deeper relationships
About Brian Dye:
Brian serves a national movement of disciple-making and church planting in urban centers across America. He is the Executive Director of Legacy Disciple, an organization devoted to cultivating a culture of gospel-centered leadership that transforms communities from the inside out. He also leads as the Director of Leadership Development with The Chicago Partnership, a network of churches working together to make Jesus visible in every neighborhood of the city. Additionally, Brian serves as the Area Director for CarePortal, building bridges between churches and the needs of vulnerable children and families. Beyond these roles, Brian advises organizations like the AND Campaign and Together Chicago, offering strategic support in areas of justice, unity, and community renewal. At the heart of his ministry, however, is a deep commitment to relational discipleship. Brian and his wife Heidi, his best friend and ministry partner since 2000, live in West Garfield Park on Chicago’s West Side. Though they have no biological children, they have welcomed over 200 young adults into their home, walking with them in the everyday joys and struggles of life and faith.
Related Resources:
What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? – Rooted Ministry
Relational Discipleship – Rooted Ministry
The Power of Imperfect Relational Discipleship – Rooted Ministry
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Register for the Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville.