3 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOUR PROGRAM IS ACTUALLY MAKING DISCIPLES

Every year I would let out a sigh of relief as the final teenager received the sacrament of Confirmation. The team had worked hard to get them to this point, we felt good, the liturgy was beautiful—and we could finally breathe before the next cycle kicked in. And as joyous as I would feel, there was still a part of me that wondered, "We're doing a lot... but is it working?"

Maybe you've felt that way too? Whether you're leading sacramental prep, hosting a worship night, or running small groups, it's easy to measure attendance, smiles, or how many pizzas got eaten. But disciple-making? That’s harder to gauge.

So how do you know if your program is forming disciples—and not just entertaining people, going through the motions, or checking off boxes?

Let’s look for the fruit.

THEY OWN THEIR FAITH

At the beginning of every year we would ask our students the same question, "Why are you here?" While not the majority, many of them would say, "My parents want me to come." I couldn't blame them—as a dad, there are many things I want my kids to do, and it's not always easy to explain why this should matter to them.

As a youth minister, I would take great joy watching young people go from living their parent's faith to embracing their own. It would start with them volunteering themselves to pray or bringing a set of rosary beads. Over time, especially when they got their license, I’d see them at Mass on their own or attending Adoration during the week.

When you see young people internalizing their faith, they’re going beyond repeating what they've learned. They’re owning the conversation with God. It doesn’t have to look polished. Sometimes it’s awkward or messy. But it’s theirs. That’s a sign the faith is moving from external to internal.

THEY SERVE OR INVITE OTHERS

When a young person starts inviting their friends, volunteering outside their comfort zone, or asking how they can help with younger kids, they’re stepping into mission.

You know faith is growing when teens see the Church not just as a building or a program, but as a place where they belong—and where God wants to use their gifts.

If your ministry never grows or the same kids talk to the same kids every week, it's time to ask: Are we forming consumers or contributors?

God put us on a mission to be disciples who grow disciples. He didn't ask us to become an exclusive club that hoards the Gospel. We're called to share it.

THEY ASK BIG QUESTIONS

Where do young people bring their questions? Do they simply look it up online—or are they coming to you? When a young person feels comfortable asking questions like:

“How do I know God is real?”
“Why does the Church teach that?”
“What if I’m not sure I believe this?”

It's not only a sign that you've created a space where they can be vulnerable, you've also shown them that asking questions is part of faith maturity. So when a young person asks a big question, don’t be scared—celebrate their willingness to grow.

When teens (or adults) are bold enough to wrestle with their faith out loud, they’re engaging it—not coasting through. The presence of doubt or curiosity doesn’t mean failure. It often means growth.

Faith isn’t a script. It’s a journey—and questions are often the mile markers of maturity.

STOP COUNTING HEADS. START LOOKING FOR FRUIT.

Yes, numbers matter, but they don't always represent the fruit you are called to nurture. Ministry is more than just showing up. It's about growing in your relationship with Christ.

To help you cultivate the fruit God is calling you to grow, stop focusing on programs and events—and start investing in relationships.

Next time you evaluate your program, don’t just ask:

How many came?

Ask:

How are they changing?