Spiritual Development Stages
A clear understanding of the spiritual development process is essential for developing Kingdom People. Mature disciples are not created overnight, but begin as new believers who reach maturity by growing through a developmental stage process. These stages of spiritual growth are: Seeker, Believer, Disciple, Disciple Maker, Servant Leader. 1. Seeker Stage - Primary Characteristic: Interested In the Seeker Stage, a person begins to get interested in the Bible, in God, and in being around Christians. It is important to understand that people in the seeker stage are not yet believers, and their interest should not be interpreted as faith. Primary Spiritual Needs in the Seeker Stage a. Safe place to explore their interests in God, God’s word, and God’s people. b. Good examples of Christian faith and life. c. Opportunities to build relationships with mature Christians. d. Opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. 2. Believer Stage – 1 Thessalonians 2:8-11 - Primary Characteristic: Needs to be Fed The believer stage is the beginning phase for new Christians. During this spiritual development stage, the primary activities of an individual are learning and growing. Individuals in this stage are hungry for God’s word, but they have not yet learned to feed themselves and are dependent on care and nurture from mature Christians who are committed to helping them grow. Primary Spiritual Needs in the Believer Stage a. Spiritual nurture and care by mature Christians in the context of Biblical relationships. b. Spending time, outside of church programming and events, with mature Christians who model a growing healthy faith. c. Opportunities to begin learning about their spiritual gifts and begin serving in ministry. d. Learn the basics of living out faith. e. Christian relationships as a foundation of unity, edification, and accountability. f. Opportunities to learn the principles, practices, and doctrines of Christian faith. g. Discipling Mentoring 3. Disciple Stage - The Disciple Stage is the initial stage of Christian maturity in which the individual takes spiritual responsibility for self. The disciple has learned to be consistent in living out faith, and is a doer of the Word who actively engages in living out the truths of Scripture. This person is also learning to be consistent in overcoming the sinful snares and entanglements of the world that hinder faith. Primary Characteristic: Feeds Self Primary Spiritual Needs in the Disciple Stage a. Encouragement to assume responsibility for own spiritual needs within the context of Christian relationships. b. Support in consistently living out faith and overcoming temptation. c. Mature Christian relationships as a continuing foundation of unity, edification, and accountability. d. Encouragement and guidance in discovering place of kingdom service. e. Continuing opportunities to learn the principles, practices, and doctrines of Christian faith. f. Discipling Mentor 4. Disciple Maker Stage Matthew 28:16-20 - Primary Characteristic: Feeds Others The Disciple Maker stage is characterized by spiritual reproduction. During this phase, an individual is ready and able to take spiritual responsibility for others. A person in the Disciple Maker Stage is committed to a lifestyle of sharing the Gospel, and nurturing other Christians toward spiritual maturity. Primary Spiritual Needs in the Disciple Maker Stage a. Encouragement to assume the responsibility for the spiritual needs of others as well as self within the context of Christian relationships. b. Support in consistently living out mature faith as a model for others to follow. c. Ongoing Christian relationships as a foundation for equipping others to grow in faith. e. Ongoing equipping for effectiveness in leading others toward Christian maturity. f. Opportunities to mentor others. 5. Servant Leader Stage John 17:6-19 - Primary Characteristic: Leads in Ministry The Servant Leader stage is characterized by leadership in Great Commission Ministry. A person in this stage not only takes spiritual responsibility for others, but is committed to developing and leading people who have the passion and skill to in turn develop others. People in this stage are generally key ministry leaders who multiply themselves in others. People in the servant leader stage may also be leaders in their families or demonstrate Servant leadership in other areas of life. Comments are closed.
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Tony HoffmanCampus Pastor at First Baptist Church in Leesburg, FL where his passion is to help people discover and live out their calling in Christ. Tony regularly consults, speaks, and teaches about discipleship and Christian education. Archives
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