What if the rise of Christian deconstruction is connected to a deeper discipleship problem?

In this episode of Teaology, Maya sits down with theology student, consultant, and PK Abigail Covington to explore what healthy Christian discipleship actually looks like—and whether the church has done enough to help people develop a faith that can withstand questions, cultural change, disappointment, and doubt.

Drawing from Abigail's research on discipleship, they examine the legacy and pitfalls of the church growth movement and what can happen when churches prioritize attendance, expansion, and numerical growth without creating deep communities of spiritual formation.

Maya and Abigail also talk about why people leave the church, what churches can do to help people stay, and whether some experiences of Christian deconstruction point to gaps in theological formation and discipleship. They discuss the importance of passing the baton between generations, creating space for younger Christians to grow and lead, and building churches that form people for a lifelong faith rather than simply attracting them to a Sunday gathering.

This conversation asks an important question for the modern church: Are we actually making disciples, or have we become better at building churches than forming people?

If you're interested in Christian deconstruction, discipleship, church growth, spiritual formation, church leadership, generational faith, and the future of the church, this conversation is for you.

Follow Abigail here

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

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