Are you feeling frustrated with the current state of discipleship in your church? Do you wonder if there’s a better way to engage your congregation in meaningful spiritual growth? If so, you’re not alone.
Many church leaders recognize that traditional approaches often fall short in today’s fast-paced, digitally saturated world. In a recent interview on the Group Answers podcast, I spoke with Mark Croston, a seasoned director at Lifeway. We took a few minutes to explore how modern discipleship can be rethought and energized. From understanding what discipleship truly means to implementing practical strategies in your local church, our discussion can help you discover how to better align your efforts with current realities.
A summary of our conversation is below. Click here if you prefer to listen to the entire interview.
Click here if you prefer to listen to the entire interview.
Understanding Discipleship: A Simple but Deep Calling
What does it really mean to follow Jesus today? It’s a good reminder that the word disciple means “follower” or “learner.” At its core, discipleship is about learning to be like Jesus—living out His commands and embodying His life. It’s as simple as that.
Although our biblical foundation doesn’t change, the way we define and pursue discipleship must adapt to our context. This raises a fundamental question for church leaders: Are we focusing on the right aspects of discipleship?
Many traditional models emphasize classroom learning or sermon-based teaching. While these are still valuable, they often aren’t enough to cultivate deep, personal transformation in a busy, media-driven culture.
Common Pitfalls: When Discipleship Goes Off Track
Where do churches often get it wrong? Mark noted that ample discipleship happens outside the pulpit—typically in small groups or through personal relationships. Yet many churches have overemphasized corporate worship and sermon prep while neglecting the relational, everyday aspect of making disciples.
In the past, churches relied heavily on Sunday School and large gatherings. However, cultural shifts—less time in church, more distraction from digital media—have diminished the impact of these models. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach no longer meets the needs of today’s congregation. An effective discipleship strategy must account for the different ways we engage any message and the information channels individuals tend to prefer.
The State of Discipleship Today: A D-Grade Reality
We’re not without data on this topic. According to Lifeway Research, the overall score for discipleship in churches is a D—indicating significant room for improvement. Churches are doing a lot of good things, yet the holistic development of spiritual maturity often falls short of anything that can be defined as “success.” During our discussion, Mark shared that many pastors and leaders admit that discipleship often depends on personal relationships or family influence, not from the pulpit or church programs. One of the big reveals of the pandemic season earlier this decade is the strong need for personal relationships. This is a lesson that came hard and one that shouldn’t be easily dismissed.
Additionally, the digital age has introduced both challenges and opportunities:
The internet and social media now “disciple” us for dozens of hours weekly
The average person attends church only about 1.9 times a month
Digital content provides both distraction and new avenues for spiritual growth
We’re in a competitive environment, vying for disciples’ attention and time. Churches need to rethink how they leverage their influence and programming to make discipleship fit into the modern landscape.
Practical Strategies for Revamping Discipleship
1. Prioritize relational, small group discipleship Discipleship primarily happens in small, intentional groups. And in recent years, we’ve seen a diminished emphasis on training leaders and disciple makers. Consequently, there’s a need for churches to renew their interest and investment in training and equipping small group leaders who can foster authentic spiritual development.
2. Reframe leadership terms Words shape perceptions and responsibilities. Instead of titles like “teachers” or “volunteers,” consider using “disciple makers” or “mentors,” even if only internally. Encouraging everyone to see themselves as a disciple maker can shift church culture.
3. Use cohorts Mark advocates for church leaders to form discipleship cohorts—monthly or biweekly gatherings focused on sharing successes, challenges, and accountability. In addition to creating a culture of continuous growth, taking this measure creates a macro-environment for discipleship that encompasses the entire congregation.
4. Leverage technology creatively With social media and online platforms now ingrained in daily life, churches must get creative to utilize these channels for discipleship. Some churches are experimenting with online small groups, social media challenges, or interactive devotionals that meet people where they are.
5. Adapt to cultural realities Church attendance patterns have changed. Instead of relying on long, weekly hours of church programs, maximize short, intentional interactions—like 15- to 30-minute digital devotionals, social media engagement, or quick check-ins. Short-form media is the new television and the church is uniquely equipped to take advantage of this emerging trend.
Measuring Success and Cultivating a Discipleship Culture
How do you know if your efforts are working? Mark suggests evaluating both qualitative and quantitative indicators:
Are your small groups thriving?
Are new believers being mentored into leadership?
Is your church culture shifting toward intentional discipleship?
Success stems from reducing the talk and increasing the time for leaders and members to process and apply what they’re learning.
The Future of Discipleship: Faithfulness in a Digital Age
Discipleship in today’s world requires innovation, flexibility, and intentionality. The pandemic, while challenging, has accelerated the church’s adoption of digital tools. Churches that lean into this challenge—creating engaging online communities—can reach people more effectively than ever. The core message remains unchanged. How you communicate, model, and cultivate discipleship must evolve, but the seed of the gospel remains forever relevant.
Final Word: Your Role in the Great Commission
Leaders, your mission to make disciples is more vital than ever. Whether through small groups, digital channels, or one-on-one mentoring, your intentionality can transform lives and deepen your church’s spiritual health. Take heart—change takes time, but even small efforts make a significant difference. As Mark reminds us, the gospel works—it’s the seed that transforms.