Christian maturity is the process of becoming like Christ. This is accomplished only through the power and sanctification of the Spirit however, the believer partners with the Spirit by engaging in various spiritual disciplines or practices. Below you will find some helpful information suggesting practices and disciplines that, with the Spirit’s help, facilitate spiritual growth.
Biblical Foundation For Maturity
Ephesians 4: 11ff.
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants.
Our sole purpose at New Covenant is to facilitate the growth God desires for all of his children. Everything we do is geared and focused for this purpose. We desire nothing else than to see lives transformed. We recognize that this is a “process” which takes time. It also requires effort enabled by the Holy Spirit. We understand discipleship and spiritual transformation to be a partnership between the believer and God’s spirit. This is not “working for salvation”. Salvation is purely a gift of God given to the individual through faith in the work of Christ on the Cross.
Spiritual Disciplines:
- CELEBRATION: We plan for spiritual growth in the lives of believers as they commit to and participate in weekly worship and preaching services. The gathering and celebration of other believers invites the transforming Spirit of God.
- CLASSES: We plan for spiritual transformation to occur through the renewing of the mind. In regular attendance of our Adult and Children Classes on Sunday mornings, a person will be exposed to the greatest transforming power on earth—THE WORD OF GOD!
- COMMUNITY: We plan for lives to change as they connect to other believers in a caring, sharing and accountability relationships. Through our Small Group Ministries, we believe the influence of Christian friendships and care helps to change lives.
- CALLING: We challenge every believer to discover and employ their gifts for service and ministry. As a person allows themselves to be instruments of God in reaching out to others, transformation takes place.
In addition each believer should engage is various personal disciplines as led by the Spirit. Traditionally these have included such things as daily readings, meditation, prayers, fasting, solitude, giving, accountability partnerships etc.
What does maturity look like?
What is the goal of spiritual transformation? What should we expect from a person who is committed to discipleship and spiritual growth? We believe that a disciple is a person who is learning and growing to become skilled at each of the following:
1.) Sharing their faith with others. A disciple is committed to taking advantage of opportunities to share their faith and the doctrines of Christianity with non-believers. This is the work of evangelism.
2.) Praying and worshipping. A disciple is a worshipper. They are skilled in the disciplines of worshipping with celebration, adoration and intimacy. This is the work of worship.
3.) Studying and obeying Scripture A disciple is a student. They understand the skills of interpretation and application of the Scriptures and are committed to a lifetime of learning. This is the work of education.
4.) Serving others with compassion using their gifts for ministry. A disciple has identified their gifts and talents for ministry. They are engage in activities which will further the Kingdom of God. This is the work of missions
5.) Living a life with integrity and character that demonstrates the temperament of Christ. A disciple is a person committed to demonstrating Christ-like character in places of home, work, church and community. A disciple displays the “fruits of the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22. This is the work of witness.
