Introduction

Apathy toward the Bible’s missional call is a pressing issue among some Christians, undermining the church’s role in fulfilling God’s global purpose. This disinterest stems from spiritual and practical barriers that disconnect believers from the urgency of sharing the gospel, as mandated in Scripture. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations,” yet many remain indifferent due to internal and external challenges. These include lukewarm faith, misplaced priorities, spiritual blindness, self-centeredness, lack of biblical knowledge, spiritual stagnation, and fear of stepping beyond comfort zones. Addressing these requires intentional spiritual renewal, grounded in prayer, study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By exploring these seven reasons, supported by Scripture and scholarly insights, this article aims to inspire believers to rekindle their passion for God’s mission. Understanding and overcoming these barriers can empower Christians to live out the Bible’s missional narrative, advancing the gospel with zeal and purpose in a world in need of Christ’s transformative love.

1. Spiritual Lukewarmness

Spiritual lukewarmness, a lack of fervor in faith, significantly hinders Christians from embracing the Bible’s missional call. In Revelation 3:16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (ESV). This indifference reflects a complacency that stifles zeal for God’s mission to spread the gospel. Many believers, comfortable in routine faith practices, avoid the challenges of missional engagement, such as evangelism or cross-cultural ministry. This lukewarmness often stems from a failure to grasp the urgency of Christ’s call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). As Christopher J.H. Wright notes in The Mission of God, mission is central to God’s purpose, requiring passionate commitment. To overcome this, Christians must pursue spiritual renewal through prayer and worship, rekindling their love for Christ. By fostering a vibrant faith, believers can embrace the sacrifices and joys of missional living, actively participating in God’s redemptive plan for the world.

This lukewarmness often manifests in prioritizing personal comfort over obedience to God’s call. For example, believers may attend church regularly but shy away from sharing their faith due to fear or apathy. The Laodicean church’s wealth and self-sufficiency blinded them to their spiritual poverty, a warning for today’s Christians. Engaging in disciplines like fasting, meditating on Scripture, and participating in mission-focused communities can reignite passion. Testimonies of transformed lives through mission, such as those in persecuted regions, inspire believers to move beyond complacency. By anchoring their faith in Christ’s love and the Holy Spirit’s power, Christians can overcome lukewarmness, embracing bold, sacrificial mission work in their own communities that reflects God’s heart for the nations.

2. Misplaced Priorities

Misplaced priorities, driven by worldly desires, divert Christians from a missional mindset. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (ESV). The pursuit of materialism, career, or personal status often overshadows the call to mission. This misalignment reflects a heart divided between temporal gains and eternal purposes. As David J. Bosch argues in Transforming Mission, the church must reject consumerism to embody Christ’s mission. Christians distracted by worldly ambitions may neglect the Bible’s emphasis on God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33). To counter this, believers must realign their priorities, placing God’s mission above personal gain. Regular reflection on Scripture and stewardship of resources can help believers prioritize disciple-making and service, ensuring their lives reflect the eternal significance of God’s redemptive work over fleeting worldly pursuits.

This issue is evident when Christians prioritize wealth accumulation or social status over serving the marginalized or sharing the gospel. For instance, long work hours may limit time for ministry, or excessive spending may reduce resources for mission support. Bosch’s critique challenges believers to examine cultural influences that subtly shift focus from God’s kingdom. Practical steps include setting aside time for ministry, tithing faithfully, and seeking accountability in small groups. Reflecting on Jesus’ example of humility and sacrifice can reorient hearts toward eternal priorities. By intentionally choosing simplicity and generosity, Christians can free themselves from worldly distractions, aligning their lives with the missional call to seek first God’s kingdom and make disciples of all nations.

3. Spiritual Blindness

Spiritual blindness prevents Christians from recognizing the Bible’s missional imperative. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul writes, “In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (ESV). For believers, unconfessed sin or spiritual neglect can obscure the gospel’s transformative power. This blindness hinders understanding of Scriptures like Isaiah 6:8, where God calls for messengers to proclaim His word. According to John R.W. Stott in Christian Mission in the Modern World, spiritual discernment is essential for missional engagement. Christians must seek enlightenment through prayer, repentance, and study of God’s Word to overcome this barrier. By cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ, believers can gain clarity on their role in God’s mission, enabling them to share the gospel with conviction and participate in His redemptive plan with renewed vision.

This blindness often results from distractions like unaddressed sin or neglecting spiritual disciplines, causing believers to miss God’s global purpose. For example, a Christian may read Scripture superficially, overlooking its missional themes, such as God’s heart for all nations in Psalm 67. Stott emphasizes that discernment grows through intimacy with Christ, which counters the enemy’s schemes to obscure truth. Practical steps include regular confession, joining missional communities, and seeking mentorship to deepen understanding. Engaging with mission stories, such as those who are reaching unreached people groups, can open eyes to God’s work. By prioritizing spiritual growth, Christians can overcome blindness, embracing their role in proclaiming Christ’s glory and advancing His redemptive mission at home and abroad.

4. Self-Centeredness

Self-centeredness stifles a missional perspective by prioritizing personal needs over God’s call. Philippians 2:4 instructs, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (ESV). A self-focused mindset contradicts the selflessness modeled by Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). This inward focus can lead Christians to ignore the needs of the lost or the call to global mission. As Lesslie Newbigin notes in The Open Secret, mission requires a community-oriented faith that looks outward. Overcoming self-centeredness involves embracing humility and compassion, reflecting Christ’s love for others. Believers can cultivate this through acts of service, prayer for the lost, and engagement in community outreach. By shifting focus to others’ spiritual needs, Christians can align with God’s mission, actively sharing the gospel and demonstrating Christ’s love in practical, transformative ways.

Self-centeredness often manifests in prioritizing personal comfort, such as avoiding outreach due to inconvenience or focusing on personal goals over serving others. For example, a believer might decline mission opportunities to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Newbigin’s call for outward-focused faith challenges Christians to emulate Jesus’ sacrificial love. Practical steps include volunteering at local shelters, supporting global missions, or interceding for unreached people groups. Reflecting on Christ’s humility in the incarnation can shift perspectives from self to others. Community involvement, such as joining church outreach programs, fosters a collective missional mindset. By practicing selflessness, Christians can overcome inward focus, embodying Christ’s love and advancing God’s mission through compassionate, gospel-centered service to a hurting world.

5. Lack of Biblical Knowledge

A lack of biblical knowledge contributes to apathy toward the Bible’s missional emphasis. Hosea 4:6 laments, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (ESV), highlighting the consequences of ignorance. Without understanding the missional thread woven throughout Scripture—from Genesis 12:3’s promise to bless all nations to Acts 1:8’s call to witness globally—Christians may undervalue mission. Craig G. Bartholomew’s Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics emphasizes that studying Scripture reveals God’s missional heart. Many believers, unaware of this narrative, miss the urgency of disciple-making. To address this, Christians must commit to intentional Bible study, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to uncover the missional themes in texts like Psalm 96:3. Pastors and educators can also equip believers through teaching and discipleship programs. By deepening their knowledge, Christians can embrace their role in God’s mission, confidently sharing the gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission.

This ignorance often stems from superficial engagement with Scripture, where believers miss connections between God’s covenant with Abraham and the believer’s mission today. For instance, many may not recognize how Jonah’s story reflects God’s heart for all nations. Bartholomew’s work encourages studying Scripture holistically to grasp its missional arc. Practical steps include joining missional Bible study group, attending missional theology classes, or using devotionals focused on mission. Pastors can preach sermon series on God’s global purpose of mission, highlighting texts like John 20:21 that clearly shows that all believers have been sent by God. Engaging with resources like mission biographies can also inspire learning. By growing in biblical knowledge, Christians gain confidence to articulate the gospel, equipping them to participate in God’s redemptive plan with clarity and purpose.

6. Spiritual Stagnation

Spiritual stagnation, a failure to grow in faith, undermines a missional outlook. Hebrews 5:12-13 warns, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God” (ESV). Stagnant believers lack the spiritual vitality needed to engage in mission, often remaining content with basic faith practices. As Timothy C. Tennent notes in Invitation to World Missions, spiritual growth fuels missional zeal. Stagnation can result from neglecting prayer, worship, or fellowship, leaving believers unprepared for God’s call (1 Peter 3:15). To overcome this, Christians must pursue ongoing spiritual development through disciplined study, mentorship, and community engagement. By deepening their faith, believers can cultivate the passion and maturity needed to participate in God’s mission, sharing the gospel with boldness and contributing to the church’s global outreach.

Stagnation often appears as complacency, where believers settle for minimal spiritual growth, attending church but avoiding deeper commitment. For example, a Christian may neglect personal devotions, stunting their ability to share their faith effectively. Tennent’s insight underscores that vibrant faith drives mission. Practical steps include committing to daily Scripture reading, seeking accountability through small groups, or participating in retreats focused on spiritual renewal. Mentorship from mature believers can guide growth, while serving in ministry builds maturity. Engaging with global mission reports, such as those from frontier missions, can inspire zeal. By prioritizing spiritual disciplines, Christians can overcome stagnation, developing the boldness and maturity needed to advance God’s kingdom through active, gospel-centered mission.

7. Fear and Comfort Zone

Fear and reluctance to leave comfort zones deter Christians from embracing mission. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul assures, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (ESV). Fear of rejection, cultural differences, or failure can paralyze believers, preventing them from answering God’s call, as seen in Jonah’s initial resistance (Jonah 1:3). Michael W. Goheen’s A Light to the Nations highlights that mission requires courage to step into the unknown. Comfort zones, rooted in familiarity, can hinder obedience to Christ’s command to “go” (Matthew 28:19). Overcoming this involves trusting God’s empowerment and stepping out in faith. Believers can prepare through prayer, training, and small acts of obedience, gradually building confidence. By relying on the Holy Spirit, Christians can move beyond fear, embracing the challenges and rewards of missional living to advance God’s kingdom.

Fear often manifests in avoiding sharing a gospel-centered witness due to social awkwardness or hesitating to serve in unfamiliar cultural contexts. Jonah’s story illustrates how fear can lead to disobedience, yet God’s grace redirects believers. Goheen’s work emphasizes that mission involves risk but yields eternal fruit. Practical steps include starting with local outreach, attending mission training programs, or praying for boldness. Engaging with diverse communities, such as refugee ministries, can build cultural confidence. Small acts, like sharing faith with a neighbor, prepare believers for larger steps. By trusting the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, Christians can overcome fear, stepping out of comfort zones to embrace the transformative call of mission, sharing Christ’s love with courage and conviction.

Conclusion

The seven reasons for Christian apathy toward the Bible’s missional call—spiritual lukewarmness, misplaced priorities, spiritual blindness, self-centeredness, lack of biblical knowledge, spiritual stagnation, and fear—reflect deep spiritual and practical challenges. These barriers hinder believers from fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and sharing Christ’s love locally and globally. Overcoming them requires intentional spiritual renewal, grounded in prayer, Scripture study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As Christopher J.H. Wright emphasizes in The Mission of God, mission is central to God’s purpose, demanding wholehearted commitment. Christians must realign priorities, seek spiritual clarity, and embrace selflessness to engage in God’s redemptive plan. By addressing these obstacles, believers can rekindle their passion for mission, stepping boldly into their calling. The church’s vitality depends on its missional obedience, ensuring the gospel reaches all nations. Through faith, courage, and knowledge, Christians can overcome apathy, becoming active participants in God’s transformative mission for the world.

Sources

• Bartholomew, Craig G. Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Framework for Hearing God in Scripture. Baker Academic, 2023.

• Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 1991.

• Goheen, Michael W. A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story. Baker Academic, 2011.

• Newbigin, Lesslie. The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission. Eerdmans, 1995.

• Stott, John R.W. Christian Mission in the Modern World. InterVarsity Press, 1975.

• Tennent, Timothy C. Invitation to World Missions: A Trinitarian Missiology for the Twenty-First Century. Kregel Academic, 2010.

• Wright, Christopher J.H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Curt Watke, PhD

Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice.  Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.