The definition of dabbling is to “take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.” (Oxford Languages Online) Merriam-Webster defines it as “to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest.”

Casual. Superficial. Intermittently. Secondary.

The list of examples of how to use this word is lengthy online. People dabble at writing, others in music, and still some do it was computer technology. There are thousands of possible actions that are primary, while others are secondary, and people dabble at them.

The one thing I did not see as an example in my search was faith. But still, every week, I encounter people where dabbling is a perfect description. They attend worship at the local Church occasionally. They have only a superficial knowledge of the Bible. They have family, work, and hobbies, and the rest is secondary. They dabble in faith when they have extra time, and in no way do they take it too seriously.

One of the most challenging parts of Church leadership is taking people who dabble at faith and leading them to become fully devoted followers. What do you say or do to get people to take their faith more seriously? I wish I had an answer.

All I know is Jesus never called anyone to have a superficial faith. His words are, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 -NIV 2011)

Maybe the reason the examples online do not include faith is that it is impossible. You cannot dabble at faith and genuinely follow Jesus. But, there are sure a large number of people trying anyway.