Their priorities are out of order.
Barna Group, in collaboration with The Navigators, has released a new book aimed at assisting Christians who perceive themselves as too busy for discipleship or are uncertain about how to embark on the journey. Titled “Growing Together: A Three-part Guide for Following Jesus and Bringing Friends on the Journey,” the book sheds light on the alarming statistic that nearly two in five Christians (39%) are not actively involved in discipleship.
The report emphasizes the significance of communal spirituality, contrary to the prevailing notion among more than half of Christians that faith is a solely private matter. Highlighting Jesus’ paradigm of communal practice and spiritual deepening, the book encourages readers to recognize the transformative power of discipleship within a community setting.
Structured around three focal points, the guidebook delves into the transformative potential of discipleship, the practical aspects of day-to-day discipleship, and the readiness of individuals to engage in disciple-making endeavors.
To compile insights for the guidebook, Barna Group conducted two surveys. The first surveyed 2,930 adults in the United States, while the second focused on 2,511 self-identified Christian adults. Among the findings, it was revealed that one-third of Christians actively engage as disciple-makers, guiding others in their faith journey while growing closer to Christ themselves.
Despite the common notion that time constraints hinder engagement in discipleship, Barna’s research indicates that lack of time is not a significant barrier for most Christians. However, those who do invest time in discipleship desire meaningful and engaging experiences.
Additionally, the study found that a considerable portion of Christians express concerns about sustaining engagement in discipleship amidst competing priorities in their lives.
Interestingly, the research highlighted that individuals deeply involved in both receiving and giving discipleship, despite leading busy lives, prioritize spiritual growth and community. Their commitment to this spiritual exchange underscores the profound rewards it yields.
Ultimately, the study emphasizes that the willingness to creatively allocate time and commit to personal and communal spiritual growth is pivotal. It’s not merely about having ample time but about dedicating oneself to spiritual enrichment and equipping others for the same journey.