Faith & Motivation
Years ago, I was in a conversation about a talk by Andy Stanley. He was challenging leaders to help people take just one step in their faith. Not a leap. Not skipping ahead. Just one simple, intentional step. On the surface, it sounds like such a helpful way to think about faith—breaking it down into something manageable. But the more I thought about it, the more I started to wonder if it’s really that simple. Asking someone to take even one step in their faith isn’t easy. And honestly, it can feel like all the pressure is on the leader to make it happen, as if my encouragement alone can move the needle on someone else’s journey. It’s a great concept, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there’s more to it than that.
In ministry, we often say we’re committed to meeting people where they are—but do we really take the time to understand where that is? This question led me to create a simple yet powerful tool to help me visualize where individuals might be on their faith journey and how motivated they are to take the next step. I call it the Faith-Motivation Chart. Over the past five years, this tool has been a game-changer for me, helping to bridge the gap between where people are and where God might be calling them to go. It’s shaped the way I strategize as a leader, empowering me—and my teams—to better serve our people and align our efforts with what God is already doing in their lives.
The Faith-Motivation Chart: A Quick Overview
The chart has two axis:
Faith (x-axis): Ranges from -5 to 5.
-5: Little to no faith in Christ. These individuals are disconnected from God.
0: Spiritually curious, seeking but not yet rooted in faith, or new believer.
5: Mature Christ-followers who live out their faith daily.
Motivation (y-axis): Ranges from -5 to 5.
-5: No motivation to change or take steps in their faith journey.
0: Open to change but not actively pursuing it.
5: Highly motivated to act, often driven by internal or external factors like a life crisis or a sense of purpose.
The Four Quadrants: Where People Are
Low Faith, Low Motivation (-5, -5): These individuals have little faith and no motivation to change their lives. They might be indifferent, resistant, or skeptical. This is a group that only the Holy Spirit can truly reach, but our role is to create a welcoming, non-threatening space for seeds to be planted.
Low Faith, High Motivation (-5, 5): These individuals may be going through a crisis or significant life change that’s driving them to seek answers. While their faith may be near nonexistent, their motivation provides an open door.
High Faith, High Motivation (5, 5): This is the sweet spot—mature Christ-followers who are motivated to make disciples, align with the church’s vision, and partner with leadership to advance the gospel. These individuals are the backbone of the church’s mission.
High Faith, Low Motivation (5, -5): These individuals are spiritually mature but unmotivated to act. They might be caught in complacency, pride, or even resistance to change. In some cases, they may resemble the “Pharisees”—knowledgeable but critical, unwilling to partner with the church’s vision and mission.
How to Apply the Faith-Motivation Chart
Now that we’ve defined the quadrants, let’s talk about how pastors and leaders can use this framework to shape their ministry strategy.
1. Focus on Relationships, Not Just Programs
For those in the (-5, -5) quadrant, no program will magically awaken their faith. What they need are authentic relationships. Invest in creating environments where they can encounter Christ through genuine connection—whether it’s a coffee shop conversation, a community service project, or simply being invited into someone’s life.
2. Leverage Crisis as an Opportunity
The (-5, 5) group is ripe for outreach. They’re motivated, often by pain or crisis, and looking for something—or Someone—to make sense of it all. Offer clear, simple next steps: invite them to an Alpha course, a recovery group, or a sermon series that speaks directly to their circumstances. Be ready to walk alongside them with empathy and practical support.
3. Empower the Motivated Leaders
The (5, 5) group is your ministry engine. These are the people who don’t just attend; they disciple, lead, and serve. Pour into them with leadership development, vision casting, and opportunities to multiply their impact. Regularly meet with them, invite them into strategic conversations, and trust them to carry the church’s mission forward.
4. Challenge the Complacent Faithful
The (5, -5) group can be one of the most challenging to engage. Their “faith” is strong, but their motivation is stagnant or misdirected. Often, they’re stuck in pride or fear of change. Approach this group with grace and truth. Lovingly challenge their complacency and remind them of the mission they’ve been called to. Sometimes, a direct and personal invitation to serve or lead can reawaken their sense of purpose.
5. Tailor Your Resources Strategically
Not all quadrants require equal resources. Invest heavily in the (-5, 5) and (5, 5) groups. These individuals are either ready to take steps toward faith or already equipped to advance the vision and mission of your church. While the (-5, -5) group requires patience and prayer, the (5, -5) group needs careful, boundary-driven engagement to avoid them becoming a disruptive force.
6. Use the Chart to Assess and Plan
Periodically map your congregation or target community onto this chart. Are your efforts moving people toward greater faith and motivation? Are there gaps where you’re not effectively reaching or engaging a quadrant? This regular evaluation can guide your vision and resource allocation.
Final Thoughts
The Faith-Motivation Chart isn’t just a framework for understanding people; it’s a reminder of our call as leaders. Every person, regardless of their position on the chart, is loved by God and part of His redemptive plan. Our job is to partner with Him—to meet people where they are, walk alongside them, and trust the Spirit to do the work only He can do.
Take some time this week to reflect on your own ministry efforts. Who’s in front of you, and where might they fall on this chart? How can you shift your strategy to better align with their needs and God’s mission? This is can be an incredible conversation starter with your team and often can lead to better SWOT analysis as you plan your next steps.
Remember, it’s not about moving people to the “right” quadrant. It’s about faithfully stewarding the opportunity to help them take the next step—whatever that may be.
