People in your church want to live out their faith but struggle to move from belief to action. Maybe you see folks eager for spiritual growth but unsure how to take the next step, or you notice a gap between Sunday inspiration and Monday reality. If you’re wrestling with how to help your congregation engage in active faith in practical, transformative ways, you’re not alone.
5 Ways to Foster Active Faith
Here are five ways to help people move from passive belief to active discipleship—each unpacked with practical steps and rooted in the reality of ministry life.
1. Welcome the Holy Spirit
One of the biggest obstacles for believers is trying to live out their faith in their own strength. Well-meaning acts in the name of Jesus will fall short or even cause harm without guidance from the Holy Spirit. Active faith is utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit. Encourage regular times of prayer, not just asking for help, but listening for God’s voice. Model and teach what it looks like to wait on the Spirit—through worship, silence, and openness—so people can experience God’s empowerment for themselves.
2. Practice Discernment
Many Christians want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start. Equip your people to look for where God is already at work—in their families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Help them ask questions like, “Where do I sense God’s presence?” or “Who around me is open to spiritual conversations?” Testimonies and stories that highlight how God uses ordinary moments for extraordinary purposes are a great way to encourage people to practice discernment as to when and how to step out and act in faith.
3. Include Checks and Balances
Without checks and balances, it’s easy to misinterpret what you think God is saying. Teach your church to always check their sense of God’s leading against Scripture and the wisdom of mature believers. Create a culture where people feel safe to share what they’re hearing and receive feedback. Remind them: if something doesn’t align with the Bible or is out of step with wise counsel, it’s time to pause and reconsider.
4. Start with Small Leaps
Faith isn’t just about hearing—it’s about doing. Encourage your congregation to take practical steps of obedience, even when they feel uncertain. Celebrate stories of risk-taking and sacrificial love. Remind people that small acts of obedience—serving a neighbor, forgiving an enemy, giving generously—are how faith becomes real and visible in the world.
5. Discover Unique Contributions
The church has done a great job at elevating gifts like preaching and teaching but every person in your congregation has gifts that God wants them to share. Many believers wonder about their specific purpose. Help them listen for God’s calling in their lives—not just for “big” moments, but in daily decisions. Offer tools and conversations that help people discern their gifts, passions, and opportunities. Encourage them to seek God’s direction and trust that He has a unique role for each of them in His mission.
Discipleship Focus
People grow in community and small groups are a great way to encourage faith in action. If you want to go deeper in equipping your church to live out their faith, encourage your small groups to use the (now FREE) assessment free assessment at discipleassessment.com. It will help each person identify where they are on their discipleship journey and provide personalized next steps that are a fantastic foundation for honest conversation, accountability, and mutual support—making transformation in community even more intentional and effective.
Staff Focus
If your staff isn’t demonstrating active faith, your congregation sure won’t. Developing your staff to live into their own gifts and calling while aligning to the mission and vision of the church is absolutely essential. But who has the time? Logan Leadership coaches come alongside your staff to help you develop your team and achieve your ministry goals by providing personalized, strategic support tailored to your unique context. Our coaches work collaboratively with your team, helping each member clarify their calling, identify priorities, and align their work with your church’s mission. Through intentional coaching conversations, we empower your staff to sharpen their skills, focus on what matters most, and create actionable plans that move your ministry forward.
Email [email protected] to set up a conversation to learn more about how we can help your team maximize their effectiveness, foster unity, and serve others with greater impact.
