How to Help an Apathetic Christian

In spite of our best efforts, there will be times when apathy attacks the people we disciple or lead in small groups or other settings within the church. Their consistent quiet times may falter. They may fail to complete their Bible studies, make excuses for not attending, or show up but refuse to participate. Their zeal for witnessing may fade. After a time, they may even avoid you-refusing to return your phone calls and expressing irritation when you reach out to them. What had once been a positive relationship may become strained and uncomfortable.

Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us to consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Prayer is one of the best ways to spur on an apathetic disciple. Pray, as Paul did in Eph. 1:17-19, that "the eyes of [their] heart may be enlightened in order that [they] may know the hope to which he has called [them], the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Colossians 1:9-12 is another good passage of Scripture to pray.

Sometimes apathy is the result of fatigue. If you think that might be the case, say, like Jesus said to His disciples in Mk. 6:31, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Take a weekend retreat together. Drop the agenda, the Scripture memory cards, and the Bible study. Walk and talk. Read. Pray-together or apart. Sit in silence. Listen to relaxing music. If all your companion wants to do is sleep, let him or her sleep. Your objective is rest, whatever form that takes. Once you return from the retreat, help them to incorporate more rest and play into their regular life so they will stay refreshed.

Sometimes apathy arises from lack of focus. Hebrews 12:3 gives us a secret to perseverance: "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Sometimes when we're discipling people, we try to feed them so much so fast that they cannot absorb it all. Simplify your focus and theirs by setting aside all other objectives in order to concentrate on Jesus. Study His life together. Talk about how His example inspires you to press on.