For Mikey Osborne, Texans On Mission (TXM) discipleship and outreach coordinator, the significance of Disciple Now (DNow) weekends goes far beyond a packed schedule of Bible studies and recreational activities. What stands out most to him is what happens when students take ownership of their faith — often in ways that surprise even seasoned ministry leaders.
Osborne has been preaching at DNow gatherings across Texas since January, sometimes leading as many as five sessions in a single weekend. The retreats can range from a few dozen students to crowds of thousands. But regardless of size, Osborne said the goal remains the same: challenge students to act on their faith now, not later.
“We get to push Jesus in kids’ lives so that they can start serving the Lord,” Osborne said. “Scripture says in 1st Timothy 4:12, ‘Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young.’ So how can we move and mobilize students to start serving God now instead of waiting until they're retired?”
That urgency has shaped the way Osborne approaches each weekend. He said he intentionally lingers after messages, creating space for students to respond.
“I really believe in an altar call,” Osborne said. “I think a lot of generations have moved away from it, and church has become a spectator sport.”
At DNow, he’s seeing the opposite.
Students often choose worship over recreational activities, extending praise to last hours longer than initially scheduled. Osborne recalled moments when planned activities were set aside as students continued singing, praying and kneeling in worship.
“They realize the presence of God is more important than silent disco or whatever else is going on,” Osborne said. “Those are the things that keep me going and excite me.”
During one gathering, Osborne described what felt like the early stirrings of revival.
“The Spirit of God started to move, and people started repenting. People started getting saved. People started surrendering to ministry,” he said. “It wasn’t something orchestrated by man. It was literally the Spirit of God doing it.”
The challenge of these retreats is striking a balance, he said — creating an environment that invites spiritual movement without controlling it.
The impact of those weekends is already showing up beyond the events themselves. Osborne pointed to students who have gone on to serve in leadership roles, including two student leaders on a recent Texans on Mission trip who first engaged through DNow.
He said he believes those outcomes reflect a broader shift in the next generation — one that is often misunderstood by adults.
“This next generation — they’re ready to lead, serve, speak, teach, pray and spiritually contribute now,” Osborne said. “I think a lot of people wait to let kids serve because they’re scared of what they’re going to do, or they think they’re not ready. But these kids know more than a lot of seasoned saints.”
In contrast to common narratives about younger generations drifting from faith, Osborne said he is witnessing a growing hunger for authenticity and purpose.
“I’ve seen more young people commit their life radically to the gospel in the last three years than I have my entire life,” Osborne said. “They’re done with the glitz and glamour. They want something real. And when faced with the opportunity to make an impact with something genuine, they’ll choose it every time.”
That desire is something to direct, Osborne said.
“Take a kid who’s already naturally rebellious,” he said. “Give them something positive to rebel toward, and look out.”