A LifeWay Research survey uncovered contradictory info about modern churchgoers and biblical community: 65% say they can walk with God without other believers, but an even larger number–75%–say they need other believers to help them grow in their faith.
The findings are at odds with each other, says Southwestern Seminary’s Kenneth Priest, and the issue is a lack of discipleship—one that the church should seek to repair.
“The ‘needing, yet not needing’ responses demonstrate an internal turmoil of individuals desiring community, but not seeing the church as the place to have those needs met.”
Priest said “spiritual apathy” in the pews is due in part to a lack of pastors who are equipped to help their members apply God’s word to their lives, resulting in confusion or a belief that the church can’t meet their spiritual needs.
>More likely to say they need other believers: Southerners, younger churchgoers, and evangelical Protestants
>More likely to say they can walk with God withou other believers: Women, African Americans
Priest said some Christians are missing out on something essential to their growth as a disciple of Jesus.
“Solo Christianity is an inward desire to seek after spiritual matters without the realization biblical community is what will fulfill the desire they are seeking.”