As I review the research and data, one truth keeps surfacing. Too many Christ Followers seem to have embraced a dangerous misconception—that what we do doesn’t really matter. Especially when it comes to impacting the spiritual well-being of others, we act as though our personal role is insignificant.
Last week, we considered how our collective spiritual efforts often result in tending vines that produce seedless grapes. We have collectively become satisfied with a faith that stops with us—a faith that doesn’t reproduce. And the consequences of this have become devastating as we watch children, teenagers, and adults turn away from Jesus in droves.
The reality is stark. And this week provided the perfect example when several of our staff experienced power and Internet outages from a brutal spring blizzard. It was 74 the day before, and suddenly 60 mph winds plastered everything with heavy, slushy snow the next morning. As the snow turned to ice in the falling temperatures, officials estimate that about 1,000 power poles serving the smaller rural communities between Lincoln and Omaha were snapped. Several more days will pass before all power can be restored in those areas. We get so used to life unfolding a certain way, that when the power or Internet is lost, it is a huge wakeup call to think about how you’ll get water or cook food once simpler items are used up.
As a church and Christ’s people, we need a similar wakeup call to make us assess and urgently change course. How’s this?
Between 30 and 50 million Americans who once attended church no longer do. Perhaps you’re even one of them. But why?
We are witnessing the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history. According to Jim Davis and Michael Graham in The Dechurching of America, this shift dwarfs even the First and Second Great Awakenings and every revival in our nation’s history—only this time, it’s in reverse. But why?
Our research team at BTTB has spent years trying to understand this exodus, and our findings have been sobering. The single greatest threat to the church in America isn’t external—it’s internal. It’s actually the Non-Discipling Mature Christ Follower.
I think it’s because we’ve become a church filled with people who feel equipped but not needed.
When a staggering 68% of mature Christ Followers say they have never discipled or mentored another person, what else could it mean? The sad reality is this feeling is killing the church. And it is a lie that must be coming straight from the pits of hell itself. We have to find our way out of this trap!
The absolute truth is what you do matters because you are Christ’s light to this dark world. In His infinite wisdom, Jesus has you here for this exact time and place.
Wherever you live, whether in a large city, or on a farm outside of some rural community, everyone is intended to play a critical role in God’s plan. Your actions can help shape the future of Christianity in America itself. Without you, we risk becoming a spiritually lost nation.
When it comes to making disciples, why do so many believe it is someone else’s job? And the bigger question is this: How do I convince you—yes you—that your part could change everything?
The truth is simple but powerful: your actions matter. And sitting idly by also matters. Your role in turning someone into a disciple of Jesus is vital. Within you right now is the power to reignite faith that multiplies and changes lives, one person at a time.
This is your call to action. The time for passive faith is over. Watch the Each one can win one video here.
Let’s stop the exodus. Let’s bring faith to real, everyday life again. Please reply with your thoughts. What do you think? What else can we do to help change the direction we’re going as Christ’s people in America? If you’re willing, what is the best help Back to the Bible and I can provide to get you going?
Send your comments to me here.
-Arnie
