Introduction
Last post: We nailed the Biblical basis—discipleship is commanded, equipped by leaders, done by all of us, one another.
This post: The hard evidence that it’s not happening in way too many churches.
I’m leaning on two solid studies: Barna’s 2009 research on defining spiritual maturity and Lifeway Research’s State of Discipleship (released in phases through 2025). Yeah, empirical data on church life has limits, but these paint a clear, consistent picture. Links below—dive in if you want the full reports.
Quick Disclaimer
This doesn’t look good for church leadership. But I’m not here to roast pastors or bash the Church. Like I said last time: I don’t care about the “why” right now—just confirming the lack is real and widespread. Then we fix it where we can.
Thee Need for Discipleship: The Evidence
Barna Research (2009): Many Churchgoers and Faith Leaders Struggle to Define Spiritual Maturity
When pastors were asked open-ended for Biblical passages on spiritual maturity:
- Three-quarters gave vague answers (“the whole Bible,” “the Gospels,” “New Testament”).
- One-fifth semi-generic (“Romans,” “life of Christ”).
- Only 7% gave specific verses.
Church members? Even worse. Two-fifths couldn’t name their church’s expectation for spiritual maturity at all. Those who did mostly said “having a relationship with Jesus.”
Lifeway Research: State of Discipleship (2025)
This one’s deeper—multiple pastor surveys on discipleship practices.
Standouts:
- Nearly half of churches (around 48-52% across reports) have no intentional plan for discipling individuals and spurring their growth. That’s the gut-punch stat.
- Two-thirds of pastors say they’re not consistently evaluating spiritual growth in their people.
- Biggest roadblock (both studies agree): People just don’t prioritize it in their lives.
Pastors know discipleship matters, but plans are fuzzy, measurement rare, and effort often ranks last behind worship, community, outreach, etc. Only a tiny fraction say their church excels at it.
Conclusions
This lines up exactly with my 30+ years bouncing through seven churches. Only one had a real plan for discipleship and ways to track maturity. The rest? Good intentions, but no structure.
I’m not mad at pastors—most are stretched thin. But the gap is real: Men in pews get little substantive push toward maturity. Men outside church get zero—or worse, toxic online “advice” that twists God’s design.
So I’m stepping up. That’s why this is about authentic masculine Christianity—men owning their growth, then helping brothers do the same. Men: Church alone isn’t cutting it for most. If you’re showing up but not growing deep, or you’ve checked out entirely, the default path leads nowhere good.
I’m calling you to join the fight. The need for discipleship is real. The road’s tough—face fears, crush excuses, grind through the forge. But the wins? Massive. You’ll come alive like never before. Relationships stronger. Work with purpose. Life with real significance as God reshapes you.
It’s no passive ride. You’ll have to work out your salvation with fear and trembling… but remember: “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Ready for the workout? Can you handle the heat?
Come get forged with us.
Pete is out.