Organized Religion Fails Most Learning Styles

If you’re interested in reaching people with the gospel, you should be interested in people’s learning styles. I encourage you to investigate the subject in order to more effectively reach people. There are plenty of books and internet resources available on the extensive research that has been done.

My own discoveries led me to take more seriously those who were calling for a return to simple/home church. I would like to summarize what I found. It helped me better understand why having an organized religion mindset, even if meeting in a home, does not motivate most believers; and why many evangelistic methods do not motivate most nonbelievers.

• Learning Preferences 1
  • A. 70% of the population learns best through participation in a group discussion.
  • B. 30% of the population learns best through lecture, reading, or one-on-one conversation.
• Learning Preferences 2
  • A. 70% of the population learns best by beginning with practical applications, hands-on experience, and step-by-step instruction. (Jesus For King, Full Stewardship)
  • B. 30% of the population learns best by beginning with the big picture, background theory, meanings, and implications. (Transformation, Spiritual Warfare)

Those who prefer both 1A and 2A make up 49% of the population. Informal small groups are ideal for them. Those who prefer both 1B and 2B make up 9% of the population. Formal church could work for them, but they tend to be independent thinkers and are less likely to let a religious bureaucracy do their thinking for them.

Learning preferences do not limit the ability to learn in other ways. In fact, utilizing multiple methods greatly increases learning. The range of cognition and retention actually achieved depends upon the nature and tone of involvement and commitment. Compare traditional classroom learning with participative learning in adult instructional retention:

• Lecture: 5%
• Reading: 10%
• Audio/Visual: 20%
• Demonstration: 30%
• Discussion Group: 50%
• Learn By Doing: 75%
• Teaching Others: 90%

The New Testament describes highly relational home churches where each one has a psalm, a teaching, or an exhortation – Discussion Group. Mature saints help newer saints develop their gifts and be successful stewards – Learn By Doing. Intentional evangelism is done by saints who build the body in unity – Teaching Others.

Organized religion fails in just about every respect! Is it any wonder that multitudes of people who believe in Jesus do not regularly attend formal church – Lectures? In response, many religious bureaucrats are now using entertainment to attract followers. Is it any wonder that Biblical illiteracy and its accompanying problems are rampant?

Unfortunately, many who rightly reject organized religion end up far from Jesus because they have been deceived about Christianity. Anyone can recognize that organized religion is in business for the benefit of the hypocrites running it. Jesus said so in Matthew 23. Read it and repent if He’s speaking of you!

Having recognized the benefits of small groups, many religious bureaucrats are now using them to expand their customer base. Simple/home churches are the ideal meeting environment and it is beneficial for autonomous churches to freely cooperate with each other, but there is no need to submit to a costly religious bureaucracy or those who exalt themselves. Submit to the word of God!

Jesus said, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” (Matt 7:22-23)

Next up: The Origins of Modern Organized Religion: Pharisees, Sadducees & Synagogues >>>