In the United States, biblical illiteracy is a growing problem. According to a study conducted by the BarnaGroup, only 1 in 5 Americans can correctly identify the four Gospels and fewer than half of all adults can name the first five books of the Bible. This is a startling trend, especially considering the United States is a predominantly Christian country. One of the main causes of this phenomenon is that many church leaders and evangelicals are focused on bringing in new members to the church but have little to no resources for discipling these new believers. As a result, these new believers are not educated on the core doctrine of Christianity and cannot defend themselves when attacked by opposing world views.
Discipleship is a key component of Christianity, but it is often overlooked in modern church culture. Discipleship involves teaching new believers the fundamental principles of the faith and core doctrine, including the importance of reading the Bible, prayer, and understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ. The goal of discipleship is to help believers develop a deeper relationship with God and grow in their faith and ultimately make other disciples. However, the focus has become filling the pews rather than on ensuring that their congregation is truly living out their faith. While the goal of bringing lost people to Christ is primary, church leaders have sacrificed or neglected engaging new believers after baptism.
One of the biggest challenges facing churches today is how to effectively disciple new believers. Many church leaders assume that their congregation is already knowledgeable about the Bible and Christian doctrine, but this is often not the case. As a result, many new believers are left to fend for themselves and try to figure out their faith on their own. This can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to Christianity.
Another issue is that many church leaders are not equipped to disciple their congregation. They may lack the training and resources necessary to effectively teach new believers about the core doctrine of the Christian faith. In addition, many pastors are already overworked and have limited time to devote to discipleship. As a result, many new believers are left to flounder, which can result in them abandoning their faith or never fully understanding the depth, beauty, and power of Christianity.
The consequences of biblical illiteracy are significant. When Christians do not understand the core doctrines of their faith, they are unable to effectively defend themselves against opposing world views. This can lead to confusion, doubt, and even abandonment of the faith. In addition, when believers are not fully aware of the power and freedom that comes from being in Christ, they are unable to live the full and abundant life that God intends for them.
To address this issue, churches must make discipleship a top priority. This involves providing resources and training for church leaders to effectively teach and mentor new believers. It also involves creating a culture of discipleship within the church, where believers are encouraged to grow in their faith and support one another. Ministries and parachurches that specialize in discipleship exist for this reason. They are able to do what the local church cannot do but yet still provide big C church training.
Discipleship should be relevant and intentional for each generation. Each generation has unique challenges and experiences that must be addressed in order to effectively disciple them. For example, younger generations may be more tech-savvy and prefer online resources, while older generations may prefer in-person meetings and traditional methods of teaching. It is important for churches to understand the needs and preferences of each generation and tailor their discipleship efforts accordingly.
In addition, churches must create a culture of learning and growth. This involves encouraging believers to read the Bible regularly, attend Bible studies and small groups, and participate in discipleship programs. Churches should also prioritize teaching on core doctrines of the faith, such as the Trinity, inerrancy of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, full humanity and deity of Christ, etc. This will not only help believers grow in their faith, but it will also equip them to effectively defend their beliefs in a secular world and even attacks within the church body.
Finally, churches must prioritize discipleship over membership. While it is important to bring new believers into the church, it is even more important to ensure that they are fully equipped to live out their faith. This involves investing time and resources into discipleship programs and creating a culture of lifelong learning and growth within the church community.
One practical solution for churches is to develop a comprehensive discipleship program that can be tailored to the needs of each generation. This program should include resources for new believers, such as study guides, podcasts, and online courses. It should also provide ongoing support for more mature believers, such as leadership training, mentorship, and accountability groups.
Additionally, churches should prioritize one-on-one mentoring relationships. These relationships can provide new believers with the guidance and support they need to grow in their faith. Mentors that can relate can help new believers navigate the challenges of Christian living and provide practical advice for living out their faith in their everyday lives.
Another important aspect of discipleship is creating a culture of accountability within the church community. This involves encouraging believers to be transparent and honest about their struggles and providing a safe space for them to share their experiences. Accountability groups can provide a support network for believers to share their struggles and receive encouragement and prayer from others in the church community.
Overall, addressing the issue of biblical illiteracy in the United States requires a concerted effort from churches and church leaders. Churches must prioritize discipleship and create a culture of lifelong learning and growth. By doing so, they can equip believers with the knowledge and understanding they need to effectively defend their beliefs and live out their faith in a secular world. This is a critical mission for churches in the United States, and one that requires the dedication and commitment of every believer.
Stewart Severino.
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