EPISODE · Jul 17, 2026 · 13 MIN
New Research Reveals a Massive Discipleship Gap in the American Church
from Impact 360 Institute · host Jonathan Morrow
Host Jonathan Morrow, author and Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute, examines the state of discipleship in the American church and offers a clear, biblical framework for what it means to follow Jesus.Topics Discussed Why "disciple" is used often in Scripture but rarely clearly defined or practiced Recent Lifeway Research findings: only 11% of U.S. Protestant pastors strongly agree discipleship is their church's strongest function The need for both clarity and a plan in disciple-making (Colossians 4 — gospel clarity + wisdom toward outsiders) Impact 360's definition of a disciple — a faithful follower of Jesus who: Thinks like Jesus (Romans 12:2, Colossians 2:3 — biblical worldview) Is transformed by Jesus (spiritual transformation, fruit of the Spirit) Shares Jesus (verbally sharing the gospel, not just "living it out") Lives out their calling with Jesus (everyday influence, starting where you are) Multiplies disciples like Jesus (the Great Commission, generational faithfulness) Why "attendance-only" faith and a Sunday-morning-only Christianity fail to form true disciples The Ministry Leader Collective — a 9-month cohort through Impact 360's Center for Student Discipleship, helping pastors and youth leaders build a clear, confident disciple-making plan for Gen Z and Gen Alpha (new cohort launching early fall; space limited) A summer challenge to listeners: pick one of the five discipleship marks and ask God where to grow Mention of the Realign Conference (September 10, Atlanta area) featuring Jonathan Morrow, Rosaria Butterfield, Alisa Childers, and Jeff Myers Episode Notes & Links Learn more / apply for the Ministry Leader Collective: impact360.org → Coaching, or impact360institute.org/collective Realign Conference (Sept 10, Atlanta area): impact360.org → Realign Conference Online courses (Explore Truth, Explore the Resurrection) and on-campus programs: impact360.org Connect with Impact 360 Institute Website: impact360.org
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Jonathan Morrow of Impact 360 Institute explores recent Lifeway Research findings showing only 11% of U.S. Protestant pastors strongly agree discipleship is their church's strongest function, and unpacks a clear, biblical definition of discipleship built around five marks: thinking like Jesus, being transformed by Jesus, sharing Jesus, living out one's calling with Jesus, and multiplying disciples like Jesus. He also introduces Impact 360's Ministry Leader Collective as a resource for pastors and youth leaders who want a concrete plan for making disciples of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
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New Research Reveals a Massive Discipleship Gap in the American Church
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