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Motivations for Discipleship

Motivations for Discipleship

One of the implications of these findings is that church leaders must be diligent in finding tools that help people examine the reality of their spiritual growth, not merely how they perceive it. Motivations for DiscipleshipEven though people may not be fully in touch with their level of growth, what motivates people to grow in …

To Grow or Not to Grow?

To Grow or Not to Grow?

Practicing Christians are more likely to be involved in a variety of spiritual growth activities than are non-practicing Christians. (You can read a definition of practicing Christians below.) Yet, even among practicing Christians, fewer than half are engaged in these four types of spiritual development. Only 17 percent say they meet with a spiritual mentor …

Breaking Down Discipleship

Breaking Down Discipleship

Despite believing their church emphasizes spiritual growth, engagement with the practices associated with discipleship leave much to be desired. For example, only 20 percent of Christian adults are involved in some sort of discipleship activity—and this includes a wide range of activities such as attending Sunday school or fellowship group, meeting with a spiritual mentor, …

Effective Discipleship?

Effective Discipleship?

Christian adults believe their churches are doing well when it comes to discipleship: 52 percent of those who have attended church in the past six months say their church “definitely does a good job helping people grow spiritually” and another 40 percent say it “probably” does so. Additionally, two-thirds of Christians who have attended church …

What We Mean When We Say…

What We Mean When We Say…

The research examined the language and terminology surrounding discipleship. We asked a random sample of Christians—including practicing and non-practicing Christians—what words or phrases they use to describe “the process of growing spiritually.” The most preferred term was “becoming more Christ-like” (selected by 43% of respondents), followed by “spiritual growth” (31%), and “spiritual journey” (28%). The …

State of Discipleship in AMERICA Today

State of Discipleship in AMERICA Today

OVER 2,000 years ago, Jesus approached twelve seemingly unsuspecting Galileans and bid them: “Come, follow me.” For the next three years, they walked alongside him as he discipled them. Toward the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and do the same—to take the Gospel message to the world and make …

Why Americans Attend Church in 2020

Why Americans Attend Church in 2020

This is probably one of the church statistics you didn’t even realize you wanted to know.Two-thirds of people in a Pew Research survey say they attend church for four main reasons: To become a better person (68%) To introduce faith to their kids (69%) To find personal comfort (66%) Grow closer to God (81%)

THE MAIN REASON PEOPLE LEAVE YOUR CHURCH

THE MAIN REASON PEOPLE LEAVE YOUR CHURCH

Numbers of gifted persons and organizations have studied the phenomenon of the church “back door,” the metaphorical way we describe people leaving the church. And there will always be the anticipated themes of relocation or personal crises. We should recognize those issues, though we can respond to the latter more than the former. But all …

Four Tests of Your Leadership

Four Tests of Your Leadership

We’re already in the middle of August, and as the calendar tips toward Fall, there’s still a lot of coronavirus challenges to deal with. Maybe you’re tired of reading about it, or maybe you’re tired from having to live through it—either way, this is certainly a season that puts everyone to the test. Especially leaders.…

Why Do Church Goers Stay in 2020?

Why Do Church Goers Stay in 2020?

What is it that makes some church goers stay, but not others? Most often, they stay because the church’s theology aligns with their own beliefs. LifeWay Research found that 52% feel their beliefs completely align with the church, while 42% say their beliefs are mostly aligned. Church Goers Are Loyal Despite how it may seem, most church …