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 U.S. Protestant churches: Pastors overwhelmingly prioritize discipleship, but for many, it remains a noble sentiment rather than a concrete, measurable mission.
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% report having an intentional, written plan for discipling individuals and encouraging their spiritual growth.
The Missing Metrics of Maturity
Perhaps the most troubling finding is the failure to measure maturity. Seven in 10 pastors (71%) believe discipleship can be measured—a recognition that spiritual growth isn't simply abstract. However, a jarringly low 30% say their churches actually have specific methods for doing so. Just 5% strongly agree they have these metrics in place.
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," McConnell said, "but also highlights the need for a framework."
Sermons vs. Relationships: Where Is the Priority?
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. While 95% of pastors agree discipleship is accomplished in a relationship, not a program, and 7 in 10 believe it’s best done one-on-one or in groups of two to five people, they often highlight the largest, least relational format as their primary method.
"There is a clear discrepancy in the discipleship thinking of many pastors," McConnell observed. "Seven in 10 say discipleship is most effective with close relationships, but a third say their large group sermons are the top discipling ministry of their church."
A Call for Intentionality
Discipleship is clearly important to the Church, according to 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,” said McConnell. “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.”
