missions
My Fathers in the Faith
By Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
Growing up in church, I always felt my story of faith was inadequate. I’d hear testimonies of the most extraordinary conversions, but instead of elating me, they left me deflated. While my congregation wasn’t the type to make an extreme spiritual experience a criterion of true faith, it was hard not
Key takeaway The post My Fathers in the Faith appeared first on Christianity Today.
Why this matters
The concept of extraordinary conversions can create a sense of inadequacy among individuals who have grown up in the church, as highlighted in the story. This phenomenon is not unique to one particular congregation, but rather a common experience for many who have been raised in a Christian environment. The pressure to have a dramatic testimony can be overwhelming, leading some to feel that their own faith story is lacking. This raises questions about the way faith is often presented and perceived within Christian communities, and how it can impact the self-perception of individuals who have not had a radical conversion experience. The emphasis on extraordinary conversions can also overshadow the importance of steady, long-term faithfulness and discipleship, which is a crucial aspect of Christian ministry and missions. As a result, it is essential for Christian leaders and communities to promote a more nuanced understanding of faith and discipleship.
About this story
Original reporting by Christianity Today . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Christianity Today . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: missions ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Christianity Today ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Growing up in church, I always felt my story of faith was inadequate. I’d hear testimonies of the most extraordinary conversions, but instead of elating me, they left me deflated. While my congregation wasn’t the type to make an extreme spiritual experience a criterion of true faith, it was hard not
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Christianity Today and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .