We are on the brink of a cultural shift. For decades, the American church has thrived in comfort, enjoying unrestricted growth, unparalleled resources, and a platform of influence that has reached the farthest corners of the globe. Technology has enabled pastors to garner millions of followers, with digital tools like Bible apps, podcasts, live streams, and an immeasurable library of expert expositors of well crafted biblical teaching accessible 24/7.  

On platforms like YouTube, where 500 hours of content are uploaded every minute, religious and spiritual material represents a significant portion. Tens of millions of hours of sermons, devotionals, and theological insights are readily available to anyone willing to search.  

Yet, despite this abundance, the American church has become increasingly stagnant and ineffective.  

Our wealth, resources, and freedoms have allowed us to retreat into layers of comfort, creating distance between ourselves and the Great Commission Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19. Many Christians have grown numb to the lost, indifferent to the needs of the world, and disconnected from the daily horrors faced by millions. We’ve become fragile, and hard-hearted at the same time.  

The desire for comfort has bred a culture of fear, justifying our neglect of Jesus’ call to “go.” Faith has been reduced to mere statements of belief, requiring no action or effort, despite James 2:17’s reminder: “Faith without works is dead.”  

Compounding this, cultural influences have seeped into the church, distorting the understanding of God’s Word. Social media theologians rise daily, offering fleeting, unaccountable “insights.” The pursuit of platforms—driven by celebrity, financial freedom, and clout—has created a generation chasing influence over impact or accuracy. Many present a watered-down gospel, detached from the fruits of genuine faith and devoid of accountability.  

So, what do we do?  

The solution isn’t a better sermon, a new delivery method, or a more charismatic communicator. The solution is action.  

The current generation—born into a hyper-informed, hyper-entertained world—is rejecting the “cool” and “palatable” gospel that has diluted discipleship into a sterilized, passive faith. They crave authenticity, are moved by action, and are inspired by genuine commitment.  

In Scripture, we see that Jesus’ ministry drew crowds of thousands. Yet, despite the multitudes, only a few were personally called to follow Him intimately. These were The Twelve—disciples who chose to dedicate their lives to becoming like Him and carrying His message to the ends of the earth.  

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus didn’t commission His followers to gather crowds or create fans. He commanded them to make disciples—those who would leave their home, grow, and go on to make more disciples.  

But here’s the hard truth:  

To make disciples, you must first become one!  

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