Barna Group's research on discipleship engagement found something that should stop every church leader mid-scroll: 39% of Christians are not engaged in discipleship in any direction — not being discipled, and not discipling anyone else. Only 28% are doing both at once.
That's not a fringe statistic. That's nearly two out of every five Christians sitting in a pew somewhere, disconnected from the one practice Jesus actually commanded: make disciples (Matthew 28:19).
It's Not Apathy. It's a Confidence Gap.
The part of Barna's research that should reshape how we respond isn't the 39% — it's why. The top barrier Christians report isn't disinterest. It's this: 37% say they don't feel qualified or equipped to disciple someone else. Another 24% say no one has ever asked them.
Read that again. More than a third of Christians would be willing to disciple someone — they just don't think they're allowed to, or nobody has invited them into it.
That's not a heart problem. That's a structure problem. And structure is fixable.
"Nobody discipled me because I finally felt qualified. Somebody discipled me because they were willing to sit with an unfinished person and call it worth their time. That's the whole model — not qualification, availability."
— Omar J. Fandino, Founder of Living Water Network · echoes 2 Timothy 2:2
What We're Building Instead
This is the exact gap Living Water Network exists to close — from two different directions.
Groundwork, our 9-month formation cohort, exists because formation doesn't happen by accident or by sermon alone. It happens in small, accountable community, walking through the same six pillars — Presence, Mind, Heart, Body, Community, Stewardship — together, with people who are further along walking alongside people who are just starting. Learn more about Groundwork.
Strategic Mentorship exists for the leaders Barna's research describes almost perfectly: people who have plenty to offer but have never been asked to offer it, or never had someone walk with them long enough to become ready. We pair people intentionally instead of leaving it to chance. Explore mentorship.
The Invitation Barna's Data Points To
If you've read this far and quietly thought, I don't feel qualified either — you're not alone, and you're not disqualified. You're exactly who this is for. Formation isn't a credential you earn before you start; it's what happens while you're walking with someone else.
The 39% doesn't have to include you next year.
Source: Two in Five Christians Are Not Engaged in Discipleship, Barna Group