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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and/or do your own research into the scriptures.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

What is Discipleship

Thank you for visiting my blog. It is a privilege to share these insights with you, and I hope you find them encouraging. Teleios’ mission is to demonstrate the truth of the Bible through scientific research and to provide practical tools that build scriptural understanding and confidence.

Recently, we conducted a survey exploring how young Christian’s view Bible study and discipleship. We received responses from 822 participants:

25% were under 18;
55 % were between 18–30;
Half lived outside the United States;
80% identified as evangelical; and
85% said they were saved by grace.

You can read the full findings here: https://teleiosresearch.com/what-are-young-christians-bible-study-habits/.

From this research, several fascinating themes emerged—especially around the question: What is discipleship?

🧭 How Young Christians Define Discipleship

The most common response (62%) was “seeking God the best way I know how.”

This is an interesting and heartfelt answer, but it differs from the historical and biblical meaning of discipleship.

Traditionally, a disciple is a learner or follower of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.

The Greek word used in the New Testament—mathētēs (μαθητής)—literally means a learner or pupil. Christ’s disciples learned directly from Him, and the New Testament gives additional examples such as Paul mentoring Timothy.

Biblically, then, discipleship implies direction, instruction, and guidance—not simply self‑directed spiritual effort.

👥 What Our Participants Chose Next

More aligned with the biblical definition, participants also selected:

Being taught by a more mature Christian (50%)
Being part of a small group (40%)

Both can be effective when they are grounded in Scripture and led by someone who understands the Bible well.

Mentoring—our modern term for guided discipleship—remains especially valuable for young believers. It is difficult to navigate the Christian life efficiently without someone to help you begin well.

Less common responses included:

Having a prayer partner (40%)
Having an accountability partner (30%)

These can be helpful, but only when the partner is spiritually mature. When both individuals are young in the faith, it can become a “blind leading the blind” situation.

⚠️ A Word of Wisdom

Your time is precious. Seek out resources and mentors who can help you grow in biblical knowledge efficiently and faithfully. Strong guidance early in your Christian walk can help you serve God more effectively—and avoid avoidable pitfalls in career, family, and marriage.

Thank you again for reading. Join us next week as we explore more insights from Teleios research.

William C. Stewart, MD

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com

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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Are there benefits to a Christian society?

Christianity underpins the foundation of Western society. Recent Teleios research has shown that individuals in societies embracing biblical values have better wellbeing than those in non-Christian nations and are characterized by other positive measures within the economic, legal, security, health, and educational realms that might serve as markers of personal happiness. Nonetheless, some deny the historical and current benefits of Christianity.

Teleios conducted a survey regarding the benefits of Christian society on an Instagram account frequented by Christian adolescents and millennials. There were 565 responses. The majority of responders were: female (78%), < 35 years (67%), primarily from the United States (60%) or Europe (13%) and primarily evangelical (88%). See the full report at Benefits to a Christian society.

A slight plurality (46%) believed they were living in a Christian versus secular based society (45%). Respondents noted advantages to living in a Christian society, compared to any other type of society (41%) and compared specifically to a secular society (18%). Participants indicated the top 3 potential advantages of a Christian society were a stronger moral (82%) and ethical base (71%) as well as greater love among people (75%).

Within the advantages noted of a Christian society in relation to government, the top three responses were: recognizing the primary biblically mandated role of government to keep order in society (60%); maintain individual rights, especially freedom of religion and expression (56%); and reduce corruption (54%).

In contrast, the greatest potential disadvantage of a Christian society was seen as Christians becoming too complacent with power and forgetting the love of Christ (64%). Participants believed most often Christians could help maintain a balance between preserving freedom and avoiding religious despotism by assuring the church and individuals are teaching the word of God (60%).

This survey suggests that young Christians recognize generally the benefits of Christian society. However, they lack a more complete knowledge of the benefits of biblical principles within society. This provides an opportunity for Christian teachers and pastors to teach young people to understand our heritage and scripture’s formative role and impact upon it.

William C. Stewart, MD

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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Biblical knowledge of end times

Our view of the future is key to how we live our lives. If we have hope in a sure eternity, we anchor our souls to a solid belief which helps protect our minds now and when we one day face the prospect of dying. Just as importantly as facing death, even young people benefit from firm hope as they confront potential disappointments in life with family, work, marriage and health. This includes not only personal tragedies but also failing to meet expectations you once possessed for your life.

Teleios recently conducted a survey regarding biblical knowledge of end times. There were 678 responses. Most responders were: female (67%), <35 years old (73%), from the United States (60%) and evangelical (74%). See full results here - End times: What young evangelicals believe? - Teleios, Inc. (teleiosresearch.com).

A plurality of respondents (38%) believed that prophetic literature in the Bible should be interpreted in a normal literal way; otherwise, how the original author intended it, whether a letter, poetry or symbols related to an actual event.

Regarding specific questions about the end times, when a response was provided, participants mostly answered in a biblically consistent way. For example, for the Rapture, the majority identified that it will occur at a time only known by God (78%), when believers will be taken to meet Christ (58%). For the Tribulation, 51% noted that it was a 7-year time period and 42% knew it will happen just before Christ's return to the earth. Respondents indicated clearly 'eternity' is a believer's lasting presence with God (71%).

For the Kingdom of Christ, 36% thought it is a time of peace and prosperity on the earth. However, 57% believed Christ’s Kingdom is heaven, which may not be the case as these locations are described differently in scripture (Daniel 7:27).

Nonetheless, the total percent of correct biblical answers were relatively low (30-55%) even though the percent of wrong answers were generally even lower (<30%). Those marking unsure' typically were between 10-20%.

Wellbeing scores were generally good (4.5; scale of 0-6 with 6 being best) and consistent with our past research. However, those who demonstrated a greater knowledge of eternity as represented in the book of Revelation reported on average better wellbeing (P=0.03). Interestingly, this finding is consistent with Revelation 1:3 itself in that it promises those who read it persistently will be blessed (happy).

These findings indicate that when young evangelicals answer questions about biblical end times they typically are correct. However, the overall percent of those answering correctly was low. This shows a need for better education about Christ’s second coming from pastors and lay leaders to help fortify young evangelicals and their hope in salvation.

Unfortunately, teaching about end times is often avoided because of controversy surrounding several different types of end times interpretations including Calvinist versus pre-millennial theologies. However, this problem may be resolved by simply teaching scripture in a literal, normal fashion.

Importantly these data also demonstrated better wellbeing for those aware of end times scripture.

Thank you for reading my blog. Return again soon as we continue discuss the amazing facts of the Bible and analyze the encouraging findings from Teleios’ research.

William C. Stewart, MD

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com

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