You must create a strategic plan of study and discipleship for your church that promotes spiritual growth and biblical literacy.
Ask any preschooler what he’d like for dinner, and you’ll probably get an answer like, “Ice cream!” Leave the decision with this toddler, and he’ll want ice cream for every meal. Or chicken nuggets. Many parents have lived with a picky eater who won’t eat anything except mac and cheese. After a hectic and harried day, we might give in and pull out the microwavable mac and cheese, but we know kids need more than that.
Believers need a balanced diet, too. I’m not talking about replacing the Sunday morning doughnuts with something more substantial (although that’s not a bad idea). I’m referring to their spiritual diet. As pastors and church leaders, we are responsible for the spiritual growth and discipleship of those we serve, and that means ensuring they’re getting a steady and balanced approach to God’s Word.
A recent study from Lifeway Research found churchgoers may not be meeting our biblical literacy expectations (particularly when it comes to the Old Testament). When asked about their favorite story from the Old Testament, around 4 in 5 U.S. Protestant churchgoers share one from the first section of the Bible. More than 1 in 10 (11%), however, offer a New Testament story or book, 7% say none, and 3% don’t know.
I’ve sat in Bible study groups (and cringed) when the leader asked the group, “What do you want to study next?” Like preschoolers craving their favorite snack, people tend toward their favorite Bible books or topics. Ever had that group that just wanted to study Revelation and talk about eschatology? Or address “hot” topics? Or only study the New Testament books because “we’re no longer under the Old Testament”? We can be like the harried parent and give in to what they want. After all, at least they’re studying something, and that’s better than nothing.