FROM CHRISTIAN DAILY INTERNATIONAL
The mandate is clear: “Go and make disciples.”
It’s the final, foundational command Jesus gave before ascending to heaven, the very heartbeat of the Church.
Yet, new data from Lifeway Research’s “State of Discipleship” study reveals a startling disconnect within US Protestant churches.
Pastors overwhelmingly prioritise discipleship, but for many, it remains a noble sentiment rather than a concrete, measurable mission.
VAGUE SATISFACTION, LACK OF SPECIFIC STRATEGY WITH DISCIPLESHIP
The study, which offers a preliminary look into the perspectives of church leaders, shows that while half (52%) of pastors feel satisfied with the spiritual formation happening in their churches, a mere 8% strongly agree with that assessment.
This vague satisfaction is often paired with a lack of specific strategy.
Only 52% of pastors report having an intentional, written plan for discipling individuals and encouraging their spiritual growth.
Perhaps the most troubling finding is the failure to measure maturity.
MANY PASTORS BELIEVE DISCIPLESHIP CAN BE MEASURED, BUT DON’T KNOW HOW
Seven in 10 pastors (71%) believe discipleship can be measured in recognition that spiritual growth isn’t simply abstract.
However, just 30% say their churches actually have specific methods for doing so.
Only 5% strongly agree that they have these metrics in place.
VARIOUS WAYS PASTORS DEFINE DISCIPLESHIP
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, noted the complexity of discipleship, which pastors define with a diverse range of components.
Bible study (10%), spiritual growth/discipline (12%), mentoring (7%), and prayer (6%) are common answers.
“The variety of ways that pastors describe key elements of discipleship illustrates there are multiple paths,” Mr. McConnell observed.
“But it also highlights the need for a framework.”
MOST PASTORS RELY ON NON-RELATIONAL SERMONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP
The disconnect extends to methodology.
Churches are certainly busy with activities.
Nearly 9 in 10 pastors (89%) use weekly sermons as a discipleship tool, and most use Sunday School (69%) or small groups (62%).
But when pastors are asked to name their top priority for adult discipleship, one-third (33%) point to the large-group weekly sermon.
This is where the tension becomes acute.
“THERE IS A CLEAR DISCREPANCY IN THE DISCIPLESHIP THINKING OF PASTORS”
While 95% of pastors agree discipleship is accomplished in a relationship, not a program, they often highlight the largest, least relational format as their primary method.
Seven in 10 say discipleship is most effective with close relationships, believing it’s best done one-on-one, or in groups of two to five people,
“There is a clear discrepancy in the discipleship thinking of many pastors,” Mr. McConnell concluded.
“A third of them say their large group sermons are the top discipling ministry of their church.”
STRATEGIES ARE STILL NEEDED FOR DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship is clearly important to the Church, according to Mr. McConnell, but strategies are still needed.
“In one sense, discipleship simply brings intentionality to following Jesus Christ,”
“But it quickly becomes complex when we consider the many ways we need to walk in obedience and how to encourage these in a local church.”
“The variety of ways that pastors describe key elements of discipleship illustrates there are multiple paths, but also highlights the need for a framework for thinking through how a church is approaching discipleship.”