The news: A new excerpt from Douglas Groothuis, published in Christianity Today, revisits the ancient concept of acedia — a word describing spiritual apathy and indifference that robs believers of what truly matters. Groothuis warns that many Christians are quietly drifting toward a "God Lite" faith: comfortable, low-commitment, and ultimately hollow.
Why it matters for church leaders: Indian churches are growing in numbers, but depth of discipleship is a separate question entirely. Pastors are seeing it — members who attend services but resist prayer, Bible study, and personal sacrifice. Acedia is not laziness; it's a spiritual condition that needs to be named from the pulpit before it can be addressed.
The takeaway: Consider preaching one honest message this month on the difference between religious habit and genuine hunger for God — your congregation may need permission to admit they've grown cold.
Source: Christianity Today
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