Our Vision for the Next Generation
Disciple Makers is a program that hosts discipleship cohorts for teens entering high school/in high school who want to shift culture one discipleship relationship at a time. We believe that high school is the perfect time to build and empower a lifelong relationship with Christ. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment where teens can receive guidance as they learn how to obey Christ and live out The Great Commission to make disciples.
I'm glad
you're here!
My name is Kaitlyn Overway, and I am the founder of Disciple Makers. Since graduating college, I have had the privilege of serving teens in clinical, educational, and ministry settings. I have witnessed and experienced firsthand the impact not just mentorship, but Christ-centered discipleship can have on a teen's life. Teens have all the information at their fingertips, but do they have support/guidance to navigate/use it?
Over the course of Spring 2026, God began shedding light on my own story and using my experiences as a Ministry Site Director and High School Church Leader to reveal a burden for the equipping of teens. With only 30% of teens in West Michigan attending church, and only 18% of teens nationwide reading their Bible or praying daily, I knew it was time for a change. God began aligning things in my life and gave me the vision for a ministry that doesn't seek to replace a youth group, but rather become a resource as a next step for students in a relationship with Christ who are asking, "What's next?" "How do I go deeper?" "How do I make this about more than just me?" I knew this was a calling from The Lord, so I dove headfirst into equipping myself to steward Disciple Makers. It is an honor to serve the local youth and church community in this way.
blessings,
Kaitlyn Overway
Dr. Marcus Thorne
Executive Director
With over 20 years of pastoral experience, Marcus leads our mission to equip the next generation of spiritual leaders.
Guided by dedicated board members committed to the spiritual growth of teens and the advancement of God's Kingdom in the local community.
Our Board
Elena Rodriguez
Head of Evangelism
Elena specializes in youth outreach and peer-to-peer evangelism strategies that resonate with high school students.
Dr. Julianne Vance
Director of Discipleship
Julianne focuses on curriculum development and ensuring our students receive solid Biblical foundations and practical skills.