Built to Last: Church Growth Through Discipleship

Churches across the United States face a critical challenge: how to grow in a way that lasts and truly spreads the gospel. Many have relied on attractional models focused on numbers and programs, but these often fail to build deep, lasting faith communities. Discipleship offers a different path—one that strengthens the church from within and equips believers to live out their faith daily. This article explores why discipleship is essential for the growth, strength, and flourishing of the church today, especially in the context of Field USA’s mission to make disciples, mobilize mission, and multiply churches.

Small group discipleship meeting with engaged participants

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship means intentionally following Jesus and helping others do the same. It involves teaching, mentoring, and guiding believers to grow in their faith, character, and mission. The Bible defines discipleship as obeying Jesus’ commands and making disciples who do the same (Matthew 28:19-20). It is a lifelong process of transformation and multiplication.

Definition: Discipleship is the process of nurturing believers to become fully devoted followers of Christ who live out His teachings and teach others to do the same.

Why Discipleship Matters More Than Church Growth Models

Many churches have focused on attractional growth—large events, programs, and marketing to draw people in. While these can bring initial interest, studies show they often fail to produce mature believers or long-term growth.

• A 2019 Barna Group study found that only 17% of churchgoers in the U.S. are actively engaged in discipleship activities.

• Research from Lifeway indicates that churches emphasizing discipleship see 3 times more spiritual growth and retention than those focused mainly on attendance.

• Attractional models often lead to “church shopping” where people move from one church to another without deep commitment.

  
  

Discipleship builds spiritual maturity, community, and mission focus. It creates a church that can withstand cultural shifts and challenges because it is rooted in the gospel and equipped to multiply.

Historical Context: Why the Church Must Recover Discipleship

The early church thrived through discipleship. The apostles invested deeply in teaching and mentoring new believers (Acts 2:42-47). Over centuries, institutional structures sometimes replaced relational discipleship with programs and rituals.

In recent decades, the rise of consumer culture and entertainment-driven church models shifted focus away from disciple-making. The result has been a decline in biblical literacy, spiritual depth, and missional engagement.

Field USA recognizes this need to return to the biblical model of discipleship to fulfill the Great Commission effectively. The mission to make disciples, mobilize mission, and multiply churches depends on restoring discipleship as the foundation.

Scriptural Foundations for Discipleship

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes discipleship as essential for the church’s life and mission:

• Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus commands making disciples of all nations.

• 2 Timothy 2:2: Paul instructs Timothy to entrust teachings to faithful people who can teach others.

• Colossians 1:28: Paul’s goal is to present everyone mature in Christ.

• John 15:8: Jesus says bearing much fruit glorifies the Father, which happens through discipleship.

  
  

These verses show discipleship is not optional but the core of church health and gospel spread.

Practical Steps to Recover Discipleship in Your Church

1. Prioritize Small Groups

   Small groups create space for relationship, accountability, and Bible study. Encourage groups that focus on spiritual growth, prayer, and mission.

   
   

2. Train Leaders to Disciple

   Equip pastors, elders, and lay leaders with tools and training to mentor others. Use resources like the 2 Timothy 2:2 model.

   
   

3. Integrate Discipleship in Worship and Teaching

   Make discipleship themes central in sermons and church activities. Encourage personal application and obedience.

   
   

4. Mobilize for Mission

   Connect discipleship with mission opportunities locally and globally. Field USA’s mission highlights mobilizing believers to serve and share the gospel.

   
   

5. Measure Growth Differently

   Track spiritual maturity, baptism, and disciple multiplication rather than just attendance.

   
   

6. Use Technology Wisely

   Online groups, discipleship apps, and digital resources can support ongoing growth and connection.

   
   

Church members serving food at community outreach

The Future of the Church Depends on Discipleship

The church in the USA faces cultural shifts, declining attendance, and spiritual apathy. Attractional models alone cannot sustain the gospel’s spread or build strong communities. Discipleship restores the church’s biblical mission and equips believers to live and share their faith.

Field USA’s mission to make disciples, mobilize mission, and multiply churches depends on recovering discipleship as the heart of church life. By focusing on disciple-making, churches will grow stronger, healthier, and more effective in reaching their communities and beyond.

Next step: Churches and leaders can begin by evaluating their current focus and intentionally shifting toward discipleship. Start small, invest in relationships, and watch the gospel multiply.

Resources: field-usa.org

Ministry Training: fieldtraining.org