How to Help Stalled Believers Reengage Scripture: A Research-Informed Guide
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Spiritual shepherding requires a thoughtful balance of nurturing guidance and courageous protection. Scripture frames this through the shepherd’s staff and rod—tools of care and defense (Psalm 23:4). These tools become especially important when caring for believers who are new to the faith or who have faltered over time. In the Center for Bible Engagement’s (CBE) Spiritual Assessment Model, these individuals are broadly categorized as Persona 2 (P2).
CBE’s Spiritual Assessment Model offers a simple way to understand and visualize spiritual growth to help people take steps towards deeper Bible engagement, discipleship, and disciple-making, Within this four-Persona framework, CBE identifies Persona 2 believers as those who trust they will go to heaven because of their faith in Jesus yet struggle to maintain consistent habits like church attendance, prayer, and Scripture engagement. Because they do not read the Bible four or more days per week—a research‑validated predictor of measurable life change—they struggle to grow spiritually (1 Corinthians 3:2). CBE estimates that approximately 9% of the global population fits this profile. (See the full report.)
What Do They Believe?
For spiritual shepherds, the Persona 2 group presents both a challenge and a significant ministry opportunity. Here’s what CBE research reveals about the group’s perspectives and specific struggles:
Scripture Perception: Many find the Bible intimidating or confusing, viewing it more as rules or historical accounts than a guide for daily life.
Reading Barriers: Their obstacles are usually “heart barriers”—the absence of a routine, boredom, competing commitments, forgetfulness, or reluctance to change longstanding habits.
Doctrinal Confusion: Although they believe in salvation by grace, some add requirements outside of the saving work of Christ such as tithing or virtuous behavior, reflecting incomplete theological grounding.
Low Habit Engagement: Only a minority regularly attend church (30%), pray throughout the day (29%), or affirm the authority of Scripture in their lives (22%).
Spiritual Experience: Many describe themselves as spiritually dry, inconsistent, or stuck. Among all CBE Personas, they are the most likely to report feeling stalled in their spiritual journey.
Helping Them Overcome Scripture Engagement Barriers
To shepherd new and stalled believers effectively, leaders need both the gentle guidance of the staff and the protective presence of the rod. Research points to several practical strategies:
Encourage simple habits by inviting them to begin with small, manageable steps—reading a few verses a day or using a brief devotional.
Connect Scripture to weekly sermons, offering reading plans that reinforce Sunday teaching and help create routine.
Provide accessible, low‑pressure entry points such as beginner Bible groups or short-term studies.
Leverage digital content through brief videos, app‑based devotionals, or social posts that meet these individuals where they already spend time.
Gently correct non‑biblical beliefs, especially around salvation and Scriptural authority.
Facilitate mentoring partnerships with mature believers who can model consistent spiritual habits in a discipleship relationship.
A Final Word for Shepherd Leaders
Guiding spiritually vulnerable believers—those new to the faith or stalled in their growth—requires discernment and attentive oversight. The Divine Shepherd models this through His staff, which offers provision and gentle guidance, and His rod, which provides courageous protection for the flock. Persona 2 individuals especially need this dual care: they want to grow spiritually but often struggle with inconsistent habits, heart‑level barriers, and doctrinal confusion that leave them spiritually dry and “stuck.”
For leaders, this means creating clear pathways back into Scripture, offering steady encouragement, guarding against error, and surrounding these believers with a supportive community that helps them move forward. Yet spiritual shepherding carries both reward and risk. Scripture calls leaders to stay alert, grounded, and accountable; their influence can lead others toward truth . . . or lead them astray (2 Timothy 4:2-4; Acts 20:28-31).
Ultimately, we shepherd well only when we remain close to the Divine Shepherd ourselves. As we depend on His guidance, we can extend His care to those we serve—helping vulnerable believers move from stagnation to growth with both compassion and courage. In His presence, we find the steady assurance we need to shepherd faithfully.
Related ODBM and CBE resources: