The Hidden Cost of Prioritizing Bible Study Over Disciple-Making
46% of churches say Bible study is the top priority for their adult groups. Only 16% say intentional disciple-making tops the list.
(Source: Lifeway Research, Sept. 2024)
That statistic tells us a lot—but maybe not what we most need to hear.
The Problem: We’re Prioritizing the Wrong Goal
At Disciples Made, we love the Bible. We believe Scripture is essential for every follower of Jesus. But Bible study alone is not the mission.
Jesus didn’t say, “Come study Me.” He said, “Follow Me.” And then, “Go make disciples.”
Here’s the tension: many churches are investing their best energy into increasing Bible knowledge, not life transformation.
But Jesus didn’t just teach content—He formed character and called people into purpose.
Insight: The Church Is Aiming Too Low
When almost half of churches name Bible study as the end goal for their groups, it reflects a deep assumption that information is the main pathway to maturity.
But that’s not how Jesus made disciples. He intentionally shaped their:
Character – developing intimacy with God and others
Calling – mobilizing them to influence the world with Him
At Disciples Made, we call this becoming Fully Alive.
That 16% of churches focusing on intentional disciple-making? That’s our tribe. We’re here to grow that number.
Concern: A Discipleship Crisis in Disguise
Bible study is a powerful tool. But it’s not the mission.
When it becomes the finish line, churches unintentionally grow people’s heads, while leaving their hearts and hands underdeveloped.
Without intentional equipping:
People become informed but not transformed.
Groups stay passive instead of multiplying.
The church grows in knowledge but not in mission.
This is a discipleship gap—and it’s costing us impact.
What Disciples Made Offers Instead
We exist to help churches shift from content-first groups to transformation-focused disciple-making movements.
Our strategy:
Reframe growth: It’s about living Fully Alive, not just learning more.
Measure transformation: Track character and calling growth, not just attendance.
Multiply leaders: Build simple, scalable rhythms that equip everyday people.
We do this through proven experiences like:
Followers Made – helping individuals grow in intimacy and influence
Leaders Made – equipping disciple-makers to multiply
Missionaries Made – activating people to live on mission
Every experience is rooted in Scripture—and focused on transformation.
Questions for Church Leaders to Consider
If you’re leading a church or group, ask yourself:
Are we forming disciple-makers or just good Bible students?
Do we have a pathway that’s measurable and multiplying?
Are we building culture around character and calling—or just content?
If those questions hit close to home, we’d love to walk with you.
Let’s Help Bible Study Bear Fruit
We’re not here to replace Bible study—we’re here to help it do what it was always meant to: form people into the image of Christ and multiply His mission.
Ready to shift your groups from learning to living?
Let’s talk about how to build a Fully Alive discipleship culture in your context.
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