Word Count: 327 – Est Read Time: 90 seconds
What’s Up:
Your worship service, Sunday school, and Bible studies are probably not forming new disciples … and that is a problem you cannot ignore.
So What:
If you think your current “faith formation” offerings are enough, ask yourself: Where would you send a spiritual explorer in your church today?
The Point Is:
Sermons Alone Are Not Enough If preaching made disciples, our churches would be packed. Sermons inspire, but they do not transform beliefs and behaviors alone.
Education Is Only Half the Story Sunday school and Bible studies teach knowledge, but information without transformation will not produce practicing disciples.
Behavior Change Is Essential A real disciple lives differently. Without behavior-focused ministries like accountable life groups or mentoring, education stays in the head, not the heart.
Build a Discipleship Pipeline Start with the end in mind: Create clear, intentional steps that move people from curiosity to committed, practicing discipleship.
And … ?
Most churches operate under the myth that sermons and classes are “discipleship.” They are not. If they were, we would not have an epidemic of churchgoers who live no differently than their unchurched neighbors. A sermon might spark a thought. A Bible study might increase knowledge. But neither, without a clear path to behavior change and relational accountability, will produce disciples.
You need a discipleship funnel. Start with relational connections and curiosity-friendly opportunities. Introduce people to faith systematically (Alpha is a good start). Then move them into deepening belief through structured curriculum like “The Story” or Jeff Adams’ “Directions Discipleship.” Life groups focused on accountability, not just curriculum, are critical. One-on-one mentoring? Gold standard. The future belongs to churches with intentional pipelines that lead people, step-by-step, from unbelief to living faith.
Action! Draw your current discipleship pathway on paper this week. Identify where belief and behavior change happen … and fix the missing links. Need help? Grab the Disciple Making Blueprint and turn guests and members both into practicing disciples of Jesus.
