Spiritual Maturity
Christian disciples are those who are learning from Jesus how to be like Him in thought, character and actions. The goal of our discipleship is therefore to be like Jesus.
The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. (Luke 6:40)
Christ-Likeness
This site is all about Jesus. Explore it to learn about Him and about how we can be like Him.
If we have a good understanding of Jesus then we have a curriculum for our own growth and for helping others to be like Him.
Jesus In 50 Phrases - Peter Cheyne - a briefer summary of the characteristics of Jesus. Use this as a starting point. Identify areas in which you (or your disciples) want to become more like Jesus.
Check out some of the resources below. When you see what the Bible has to say about maturity, you will realise how important it is to God and how much you benefit from it. Hopefully that will motivate you to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Despite growth being a major biblical theme, it is often overlooked. We can be excited about someone coming to faith in Jesus but neglect the subsequent growth to maturity.
Bible Passages About Growth - Peter Cheyne - a list of passages with suggested questions.
Becoming Like Jesus
10 Ways To Really Be More Like Jesus - James Emery White
Growth in Christian Discipleship - (Groundwork) - 4 episodes
Assessing Your Maturity
Why would you want to assess your own maturity?
Certainly not so that you can just feel bad. Discipleship is a process of learning and growth. No thinking person expects immediate maturity. If you are a new Christian, then being a new Christian is the perfect stage for you. No one condemns a five-year old child for being five!
On the other hand, you would be worried if a fifteen-year old (or a 50-year old!) was behaving like a five-year old.
A personal spiritual check-up can also be inspirational, alerting you to areas that God sees as having growth potential.
Please use these resources wisely. It might be worth considering them along with your spiritual mentor.
Measuring Maturity
Maturity Can Be Measured – by J. Oswald Sanders (pdf version)
A Developmental Approach To Measuring Spiritual Maturity From A Christian Perspective - Angela Watson (Doctor of Philosophy thesis)
Measuring Your Spiritual Growth - Rick Avent (Life, Hope and Truth)
Spiritual Maturity Assessment Tools
Spiritual Growth Assessment, v.2 – Peter Cheyne (Followers) - Based around 12 biblical values.
Benefitting From Your Spiritual Growth Assessment - Peter Cheyne (Followers). What to do with the results.
Spiritual Life Assessment Tool – (Core Discipleship)
Spiritual Growth Assessment Process - (LifeWay)
Discipleship Pathway Assessment - (LifeWay, paid)
A 2-page Discipleship Self Evaluation - (Omega Discipleship, used with permission)
Annual Spiritual Check-up – C.S. Lewis Institute (pdf version)
Spiritual Growth Assessment - Greyfriars Presbyterian Church, Auckland. based on the Followers assessment.
Online Assessment Tools
Assess Yourself – various online questionnaires that provide a score and an explanation
Spiritual Maturity Assessment - (Fellowship of Companies For Christ International)
Spiritual Maturity Questionnaire - (Asia leaders Learning Community)
Other Suggestions For Measuring Spiritual Maturity
5 Ways To Measure Your Spiritual Maturity - Allen Parr. Five questions based on Philippians 2:3-8
Surprising Ways To Measure Spiritual Maturity In Your Church - Erik Reed (LifeWay Research)
Children's Growth
11 Indicators Of Spiritual Growth In Children - Dale Hudson (Relevant Children's Ministry)
To learn more about helping others follow Jesus, go to our disciple-making site.