Indicators of spiritual maturity

By Jim LaDoux
These foundational characteristics are drawn from research of faith maturing in young people and from the wisdom of the Christian leaders engaged in faith formation with children and adolescents. They are developmentally- appropriate, realistic expectations for faith maturing in the first two decades of life. They provide the beginnings of lifelong process of growth in Christian faith and discipleship that has direction and purpose. The following characteristics are descriptive, not prescriptive. They assist leaders with channeling direct energy and attention toward specific faith formation goals and outcomes.
- Sustaining a relationship with Jesus Christ by praying, sharing faith, and reading the Bible.
- Making the Christian faith a way of life by integrating beliefs into the conversation, decisions, and actions of daily life.
- Possessing a vital faith and being aware of God's presence in their own life and the lives of others.
- Seeking spiritual growth by actively pursuing questions of faith, learning what it means to believe in God, and what it’s like to follow in the way of Jesus Christ.
- Living a life of service by caring for others, reaching out to those in need, and addressing injustice in the world.
- Sharing the Good News through words and actions, through Christian stewardship, and working for peace, justice, and human dignity.
- Participating fully, consciously, actively, and regularly in the ritual and worship life of the faith community.
- Articulating the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith and demonstrating a commitment to learning and growing in this faith.
- Exercising moral responsibility by applying Christian ethics, virtues, principles, values, and social teaching to moral decision-making, life situations, and in interactions with the larger culture.
- Practicing faith in Jesus Christ, privately and publicly, through participation in the congregation’s worship, ministries, and leadership.
- Discerning and using gifts to actively belong to, and participate in, the life and mission of the Christian community.
- Exploring God’s call to vocation through prayer, reflection, and discernment.
- Possessing a positive spirit with loving and hopeful attitudes toward others and life, convinced that they can make the world a better place.
QUESTIONS| APPLICATIONS
- What’s your definition of a spiritually maturing Christian?
- What might be some other indicators of spiritual maturity (fruits of the Spirit, etc.)?
- What would a mature, and maturing Christian, say, do, think, and value?
- What are we doing to create settings and experiences that foster lifelong faith formation?
Posted in Form Faith Daily
Recent
Interview families about faith
December 6th, 2023
What great leaders consistently do
December 4th, 2023
Position people for maximum impact
November 28th, 2023
5 elements that foster great meetings
November 24th, 2023
Are your clients ready to be coached?
November 19th, 2023
8 things great leaders do
November 13th, 2023
Listening to spiritual stories
October 29th, 2023
Blog template
October 29th, 2023
20 mealtime prayers
October 17th, 2023
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
October 17th, 2023
Archive
2023
July
August
September
October
November
2022
January
Take time to assess your lifeUse sprints to move fasterMeasure what mattersAsk your friends WATER questionsQuestions to ask your teamIs your church is stuck?4 questions to ask faith mentorsDevelop active listening skills2 ways to make better decisionsMy 5 daily questionsHelping people changeCreate daily Sabbath momentsReframe your futureReframe your church's future
February
Write better emailsA blueprint for forming faithCreate safe space for clientsBecoming a virtual organization6 barriers to extending hospitalityDevelop coaching presence5 phrases to use when coachingCreate ministry road mapsHelp clients ask better questionsIndicators of spiritual maturity10 giving metrics to review annually
March
April
May
August
October
December
No Comments