Comparison of Discipleship Attitudes and Practices among Members of the Baptist Missionary Association of America between 2010 and 2023

Abstract

This article reports the findings and analysis of data collected in a 2010 research study by comparing them with data collected in a replicated study conducted in 2023. Both surveys produced descriptive data from a membership sampling of churches affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association of America (BMAA) regarding members’ attitudes and practices of discipleship. Leadership of the BMAA responded to findings of the 2010 study by introducing a formal discipleship strategy (DiscipleWay) in hopes that it would increase members’ practice of discipleship. The replicated study in 2023 was conducted to determine if members’ attitudes and practices changed between 2010 and 2023. Analysis of the 2023 data revealed two negative conclusions of the 2010 survey was less true based on the 2023 responses. Two other conclusions of the 2010 survey were not challenged. Implications for practitioners and educators are discussed in the article.