By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
Lonnie Wilkey
Long gone are the days of “Training Union” and “Church Training.” As a child I remember those as programs in the church that were used to teach Christian doctrines and Baptist beliefs. They truly discipled new believers and reminded long-time believers of what Jesus expects of His followers once they accept Him as Lord and Savior.
Now, the term “discipleship” can refer to almost anything including the latest, greatest Christian book.
Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with studying a book based on principles found in God’s Word. But is that really discipleship?
Nothing can truly replace the teaching of sound, Christian doctrines. And, the best resource for Christian doctrines is God’s Holy and divine Word.
What’s the problem? Just read the latest study conducted by LifeWay Christian Research.
When only 49 percent of Americans think that sex outside of marriage and abortion are sins and only 44 percent think that homosexuality is a sin, America has a serious problem.
You can argue that the numbers improve for evangelical believers but when the same article says that “most Americans still identify as Christians,” we have a huge disconnect.
When fewer than half of Americans say the Bible is 100 percent accurate in all that it teaches, that is an indictment on the church and its leaders.
When 52 percent of Americans say that “good deeds help earn a spot in heaven,” churches should be ashamed of reports such as these.
It’s time for churches and today’s leaders to become serious about a brand of discipleship that teaches followers of Christ what that truly means.
Until we do, we will continue to produce Christians who ultimately bear no fruit. May the Lord have mercy on us all.
