WDA’s mission is to serve the church worldwide by developing Christlike character in people and equipping them to disciple others according to the pattern Jesus used to train His disciples.

We envision a worldwide network of interconnected ministries committed to the ongoing process of Christlike sanctification and renewal, and staffed by teams of leaders who are trained using a biblical pattern of discipleship.

Organized as Worldwide Discipleship Association (WDA) in 1974, we are based in the United States and have ministries and partners throughout the world. WDA is a 501c(3) non-profit organization funded primarily by the tax-deductible gifts of those who share our commitment to biblical disciple building.

WDA was founded by Carl Wilson, a pastor, former director of the High School Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, International and author of With Christ in the School of Disciple Building. Since its inception, WDA has focused on studying Jesus’ ministry and methods, and applying biblical disciple building principles to the contemporary world.

Realizing the strategic position held by universities as centers of influence in our culture, WDA initiated its ministry on college campuses. We continue to build disciples on college campuses, but also focus on developing other centers, partnerships, publications and resources that equip disciple builders, both in the US and overseas.



We operate our ministry by following a carefully designed and strategically implemented Master Plan, revised each year by our Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors. While we always remain open and sensitive to fresh revelation from the Holy Spirit corroborated through the Word, we believe that He directs us best as we remain focused on our mission.