Are our churches actually making disciples, or are we just barely passing? Brian Upshaw and Drew Dabbs dive into the latest LifeWay Research findings and discuss how pastors can move their congregations from a ‘D’ average to vibrant, Great Commission impact.


In this special episode recorded live during the NC Baptist annual meeting, Daniel Rose, student ministry strategist, talks with Shane Pruitt, national next gen director for the North American Mission Board and this year’s convention sermon speaker. They unpack what God is doing among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why so many students are sensing a call to ministry. 

Pruitt shares powerful insights on “calling out the called,” the different ways God affirms a calling, and why serving often reveals where God is leading. They also discuss spiritual disciplines, the essential role of the local church and how leaders can walk with students as they discern next steps. If you want to be ready to walk with a student when they say “yes” to ministry, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

For more episodes, visit ncbaptist.org/podcast. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or listen on the N.C. Baptist app.

To download this episode, click here.

Podcast highlights:

  • “God is calling a generation to step up, and we as leaders have to call them out and be ready for when they say ‘yes.’” (3:29)
  • “If we’re going to call out the called, we’ve got to walk with them in the discipleship journey, giving them opportunities to lead.” (6:40)
  • “The moment a young person says, ‘I really feel called to ministry and leadership,’ then you got to help them walk deeply with Jesus.” (11:07)
  • “The New Testament model is this: Yes, be the church, but also go to church and gather with other believers.” (16:32)

Listen