Are You Growing?

I have discovered a great tool for discipleship.  It’s called “Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual.”  It was written by Jim Putman, Avery T. Willis Jr., Brandon Guindon, and Bill Krause.  

In the third week, the study addresses how a disciple grows.  It gives five stages of spiritual growth: dead, infant, child, young adult, and parent.  Each one of these stages has a “phrase from the stage.  Our words and actions reveal where we are at in the spiritual growth journey.   Look at each stage and determine where you are at in your spiritual growth.   Contact me if I can help you with anything.

Dead Stage

This stage is characterized by unbelief.  Everyone is in this stage before they come to Christ.  They are dead in their sins and objects of God’s wrath.  Here are some typical phrases a dead person might say. 

·      “I don’t believe there is a God.”

·      “The Bible is just a bunch of myths.”

·      “God is just a crutch.”

·      I am not a Christian because religion is responsible for most of the wars in history.” 

·      “There are many ways to God.”

·      “There is no hell because God is a God of love.”

·      “I have been a good person, so I will be okay.”

·      “There is not absolute right or wrong.”

·      “I’ll take my chances with the man upstairs.”

Infant Stage

This stage is characterized by ignorance.  Everyone who comes to Christ begins in this stage.  Here are some of the phrases that characterize what a spiritual infant might say. 

·      “Why do I need to go to church regularly?”

·      “I’ve been hurt by a lot of people, so it’s just me and God.  I don’t need others.” 

·      “If I pray and read my bible, will I be good enough?”

·      “I didn’t know the Bible said that.”

·      “I know that Jesus is Lord and Savior, but is karma real?”

·      “I provide for my family, I don’t have time for church.”  

Child Stage

This stage is characterized by selfishness.  Here are some phrases that a child might say. 

·      “I believe in Jesus and my church is in the woods, just him and me.” 

·      “Don’t branch my group into two groups.  It is comfortable for me right now.”  

·      “Who are all these new people coming to our church? The church is getting so big.” 

·      “I love my small group; don’t add anymore people to it.” 

·      “If we do table groups, I will stop coming to church.” 

·      “I’m not being fed in my church, so I am going to a church that meets my needs better.” 

Young Adult Stage

This stage is characterized by a change from being focused on self to being focused on God and others. Here are some of the phrases that might characterize what  a young adult might say. 

·      “I love my group, but there are others who need a group like this.” 

·      I think I could lead a group with a little help.  I have three friends I have been witnessing to, and this group would be too big from them.”

·      “Look how many are at church today—it’s awesome! I had to walk two blocks from the closest parking spot.” 

Parent Stage

This stage is characterized by intentionality in feeding themselves and reproducing disciples.   Here are some of the phrases from this stage that a parent might say.

·      “I have a person in my small group who is passionate about children.  Can you have the children’s ministry people call me?” 

·      “This guy at work asked to go and explain the Bible to him.  Pray for me.” 

·      “We get to baptize someone from our small group tonight.  When is the next 101 Class? I want to get her plugged into ministry somewhere.”

·      “I realized that discipleship happens at home, too. Will you hold me accountable to spend time discipling my kids?”