In this video, Christian Barrett unpacks the 2026 State of Discipleship study from Lifeway Research and what it reveals about spiritual formation in U.S. churches today. According to the research, average churchgoers are barely passing on key discipleship characteristics, and many churches lack intentional plans for forming mature disciples. The discipleship deficit is real, and pastors across America feel it. This video explores what the deficit means for believers, pastors, and the future of the church in America, and why discipleship can’t be assumed without intentional structures and community. Support Emet Ministries, so we can continue to provide content and resources to help disciples become disciplers: https://emetministry.churchcenter.com/givingmy reading list:⁠ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/74696644-christian-barrett00:00 – Lifeway Research Reveals a Discipleship Crisis

00:47 – Why the Church Needs Discipleship, Not Just Attendance

04:32 – What Biblical Discipleship Really Is (Belief + Obedience)

12:04 – 8 Biblical Signposts of Genuine Discipleship

15:10 – Church Attendance vs Real Discipleship

20:20 – Giving, Tithing, and Spiritual Formation

20:50 – Discipleship Through Outreach to College Students

23:30 – Why Discipleship Must Be Intentional

25:00 – How to Do Discipleship in the Local Church#Discipleship#DiscipleshipCrisis#DiscipleshipInAmerica#ChurchDiscipleship#ChristianDiscipleship#LifewayResearch#BiblicalDiscipleship#SpiritualFormation#AmericanChurch#EvangelicalChurch#ChurchLeadership#CollegeMinistry