If you’ve spent time in church leadership circles, you’ve probably heard somebody say, “We have a next generation problem.” After all, young people are leaving the Church, cultural values are shifting, and it can feel like the future of faith is hanging in the balance. But at the Association of Related Churches (ARC), a different narrative is taking shape—one that sees the root issue not in Gen Z, but in discipleship.
This insight came through loud and clear in a recent episode of UNSCRIPTED, featuring Grant and Cheyanne Skeldon, two leaders deeply invested in building bridges to the next generation. In conversation with the Association of Related Churches’ Dino and DeLynn Rizzo, the Skeldons offered a powerful reframing: The challenge isn’t the next generation, it’s how the Church is—or isn’t—disciplining them.
A Generation Starving for More Than Content
Nowadays, young people have access to more content than ever before. Social media, podcasts, sermons, books, reels—there’s no shortage of information. And yet, as Grant Skeldon put it, “This is a generation saturated with content but starved for connection.”
The real need, Skeldon explained, isn’t more content—it’s deeper relationships. Young leaders aren’t just looking for inspiration; they’re longing for transformation. And transformation doesn’t come from downloads or likes. It comes from life-on-life discipleship.
That’s where ARC’s vision comes in. From the beginning, the Association of Related Churches has existed not just to launch churches, but to create a network of support: leaders who walk with each other, pour into the next generation, and model the kind of faith that’s both rooted and reproducible.
Discipleship That Walks, Not Runs
One of the most striking takeaways from the episode was Grant Skeldon’s reminder that discipleship is less about running ahead and more about walking with.
“You can’t talk to Jesus if you’re sprinting past Him,” Skeldon said. It’s a challenging mission in a culture where young leaders often feel pressure to build a platform, prove themselves, or keep pace with fast-moving trends.
A Clear Discipleship Strategy Matters
One of the biggest barriers to effective discipleship, the Skeldons noted, is clarity. Many churches have strong systems for missions, teaching, and baptism—but when asked what their discipleship strategy is, few can give a clear answer.
That’s why the Association of Related Churches emphasizes the importance of having a defined, intentional approach. Whether it’s one-on-one mentorship, leadership replication, or creating spaces where the next generation can “take their cape off,” the goal is the same: to walk with young people in a way that shapes who they are, not just what they know.
Discipleship Is the Real Growth Strategy
For the Association of Related Churches, the focus on discipleship isn’t just about addressing generational drift; it’s a foundational growth strategy. When young leaders are discipled well, they don’t just stay—they lead. They plant churches, start ministries, and disciple others in turn. And ultimately, they become carriers of the Gospel.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a global network of independent congregations committed to planting and building life-giving churches. Since its founding in 2000, ARC has helped launch over 1,160 churches worldwide by offering coaching, resources, funding, and ongoing relational support. At its heart, ARC exists to see a thriving church in every community—and no leader walking alone. Learn more at arcchurches.com.