Spiritual Growth Assessment Results and Recommendations

This is a paper written for Liberty University DMIN course in Spiritual Development. Participants in the survey were found through social media.

Introduction

The life of a Christian is one where eternal life is purchased by Christ and realized through the working out of one’s salvation. This outworking of salvations is where the Christian finds their actualization through godliness. Godliness is located in the disciplines of the Christian life as indicated in 1 Timothy 4:7, which says, “train yourself for godliness” (ESV). Don Whitney, in his book Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life, writes, “if your purpose is godliness—and godliness is your purpose if you are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, for He makes godliness your purpose—then how do you pursue that purpose?”[1]

How does one train for godliness? Consider the athlete with whom the Apostle Paul compares the Christian life, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians, 9:25). An athlete trains in their respective sport. Soldiers train in the areas of combat. Likewise, Christians train themselves in godliness by practicing spiritual disciplines. Although it can seem overwhelming, the active practice of Christian disciplines will lead to growth in godliness by the Spirit because God desires for his people to love him. What follows is an assessment and growth plan for a small group who took a spiritual health survey created by this student referred to as the Marks of a Disciple Spiritual Assessment (MDSA).

Spiritual Disciplines as a Means of Godliness 

Gorman writes that “For Christians, spirituality is a relationship with the triune God that impacts their daily life with others.”[2] He further explains that the Christian life, according to the Apostle Paul, is one in which the Christian becomes increasingly conformed to the cross. That is that one grows in their inheritance and salvation given to them by God through Christ’s sacrifice. The means of growing in Christlikeness is a gift of God as the Spirit is active in the life of a Christian. As the Spirit works in the Christian life, one can discipline oneself through regular practices called spiritual disciplines. Don Whitney expresses the importance of these disciplines when he says, “the only road to Christian maturity and godliness (a biblical term synonymous with Christlikeness and holiness) passes through the practice of the Spiritual Disciplines.”[3] Inherent in these disciplines is humility, which sees one continually putting off the old self and putting on the new self by the power of God. Andrew Murray says, “The life God bestows is imparted not once for all, but each moment continuously, by the unceasing operation of His mighty power. Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is, from the very nature of things, the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue.”[4] The practice of spiritual disciplines acknowledges one’s inability to come to God independently and their entire dependence upon God for all things.

One such discipline is found in Paul’s encouragement to the Church at Thessalonica when he says to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17, ESV). Paul writes to Timothy to “train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (1 Tim. 4:7-8, ESV).” The purpose of disciplining oneself is to grow in godliness as it points to the promises from God in the present life and the new life to come. Further, Paul writes, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Col. 3:1-2, ESV).” The Christian life is one where the Christian is continually pursuing Christ, and spiritual disciplines are a God-given means to that pursuit.

In looking back towards the book of Acts, McClendon and Lockhart observe that “The church gave generously of themselves and their possessions for the good of the kingdom.”[5] Not only are spiritual disciplines a private means empowered by the Spirit to grow in godliness, but they are also a means God uses for the church to serve and witness to the community. Generosity is a spiritual discipline that grows the disciple and is a way that God is expressed to those in the community. Consider these words from Paul, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8).” It is easy for one to be consumed by their material wealth but to empty oneself is to look at how to steward best what God has given. Therefore, the Christian grows in the likeness of Christ when they view their possessions as a means to praise God’s glory by generously serving others.

Just as godliness and spirituality are cross-centered, it is inherently Christ-centered. Haykin writes, “The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit has this one indispensable genuine mark then: it is Christ-centered—it is designed to exalt Christ and glorify him in the minds and hearts of men and women and boys and girls.”[6] Suppose spiritual disciplines are a means of God’s grace to bring about godliness empowered by the Holy Spirit. In that case, it is the Holy Spirit’s work to get the Christian to greater love, knowledge, and conformity to Christ. Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6, ESV).” How does one come to Christ? John 6:44 says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” John 3:5 indicates that the Holy Spirit is the person of the Triune Godhead that brings people to Christ. The work of God is to redeem humanity by revealing Christ, and the life of a Christian is growing in this redemptive work by continually having Christ revealed. 

Assessment Results

The small group surveyed had varying results but will be shared as one group here. Each person was assessed using a Likert Scale indicating their current agreement with important discipleship marks created by this author. The marks identified by this author included Disciples Believe and Repent, Disciples Live in Community, Disciples Serve in Community, Disciples Are Radically Generous, Disciples Pray Faithfully, and Disciples Learn to Follow Christ’s Teaching. For this assessment, the author believes that any score of 4.0 or above indicates strength and health. Likewise, any score below a 3.0 is an area of concern, and 3.0-3.9 is an area that requires attention but is not an emergency.

Although the surveyed group did not score below a 3.2 on their assessment, a few people individually scored below the 3.0 threshold. For this reason, this student sees two areas of general concern. Those areas include Disciples Are Radically Generous, and Disciples Learn to Follow Christ’s Teaching. These marks of a healthy disciple scored in the entire group as a 3.2 and 3.7, respectively. Although there are two areas of primary concern for this author regarding the results of the spiritual assessment, suggestions are included below for each mark of a disciple.

Customized Growth Plan

Disciples Believe and Repent received the highest score on MDSA, with the group averaging a 4.7. To shore up this strength so the participants can continue to grow in faith and repentance, this author recommends the group participants actively engage in a personal relationship with at least one other Christian who can confess their sins and be encouraged as they mortify their flesh. Herman Bavinck writes of conversion and the Christian life as “a complete reversal in one’s way of life, a fundamental break with sin because it is a sin.”[7] The Apostle Paul encourages the church in Galatia to “bear one another’s burdens.” To bear another’s burdens is to aid them in the pursuit of unburdening. If one were to face their sin alone, they neglect one of the greatest gifts given to them by their union with Christ. That gift is their brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, the participants should meet regularly with a Christian friend with whom they can confide. As they meet regularly, each person should study and pray the Scriptures to encourage one another in their pursuit of holiness.

Disciples Live in Community is the third-highest score from the participants of the MDSA. Living in a community includes the weekly gathering of the saints for worship and regular participation in the church’s life, including discipleship and evangelism. Discipleship can consist of common small group Bible studies, accountability groups, mentor/mentee relationships, and just about any meeting where Christians of the same local church gather for the purpose of encouragement and edification. One point is evident based on this survey, some of the participants did not find attendance and participation in the weekly worship of God as central to their spiritual life. 

Hebrews 1-:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”[8] Donald Guthrie suggests this statement indicates that the church is called to meet together regularly in the assembly and outside of the regular worship of God. The reason to gather, according to Guthrie, “The basic idea is that Christians should strengthen and stimulate one another.”[9] For this reason, this author suggests that each survey participant prioritize their local church’s weekly worship service, join a local church, and look to encourage others in the faith and receive encouragement from others.

Disciples Serve The Community is the second-highest score on the MDSA. This category measured the belief and active participation in serving one’s local community as a church member. In essence, is the local church responsible for serving the community it lives in? Overwhelmingly the surveyed group believes and actively participates in serving their community. Acts 3:1-10 sees a lame beggar healed by the Apostle Peter. This beggar was not a Christian and simply a man from the local community in Jerusalem who needed help. Eckhard Schnabel indicates, “The miracle of the healing of a lame man at a gate of the temple in Jerusalem is an example of the power of Jesus, who continues to heal the sick as the risen and exalted Messiah.”[10] To demonstrate the continued power of Jesus, this student recommends the participants find a tangible way they can meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in their community. Serving those in need could include buying or delivering groceries to the elderly, aiding the homeless in finding shelter, serving or establishing a food pantry, or some other physical need they can meet.

Disciples Are Radically Generous is the lowest score among those taking the assessment, with an average score of 3.2. It is suggested that those who find the generosity first reflect on the generosity shown to them by God in saving them by the work of God. He graciously and mercifully saved them according to his will and power for his glory and their good. Secondly, those assessed are encouraged to reflect on how others have been financially and spiritually generous to them. Lastly, those taking this survey are encouraged to look to their resources and see how they can serve those in their church and their community. Common resources could include skills, time, and finances. Find a need in one’s community they can meet, such as mowing someone’s lawn, driving someone to an appointment, picking up groceries, or helping with a car repair. One could find a cause in which they are passionate that needs further financial support. Look first to one’s church and then begin to see if there are those in their neighborhood or community in financial need and seek to supply help as they have the opportunity.

Disciples Pray Faithfully scored a 4.0 on the Likert Scale and are the bottom half of those marks surveyed. Prayer is found throughout Scripture and even encouraged by the Apostle Paul to be done without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). To improve one’s prayer life, this student offers three suggestions. First, consider making prayer a daily practice by reading a Psalm a day. Use the Psalm as a prompt for prayer and a guide to connecting with God. Second, read the Lord’s Prayer and meditate on Christ’s teaching in that prayer. Look to God for your daily spiritual sustenance and rely on his power. Lastly, read Paul Miller’s book A Praying Life. Miller’s book is instructive as it provides spiritual guidance and practical wisdom in incorporating prayer into one’s daily life.

Disciples Learn To Follow Christ’s Teaching scored a 3.7 and is the second-lowest score according to this survey. Marshall and Payne write, “To become a Christ-learner, then, is both a decisive and gigantic step of repentance in accepting the salvation that God has won through Christ (symbolized by baptism), and an ongoing daily commitment to living out the implications and consequences of this massive salvation that God has won for us (symbolized by the yoke).”[11] Those taking this survey are encouraged to make the weekly worship gathering of their church a top priority and attend weekly to hear the Word of God preached. Next, it would be suitable for those taking the survey to join a Bible Study or meet with one other person for Bible Study. Lastly, read the Bible daily and study each passage read section by section. This does not need to be large sections of Scripture but enough for one to learn and apply God’s Word daily.

Conclusion

Moses records these words to the Jews after their exit from Egypt, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6:6-7).” He instructs the Israelites in the Shema and calls them to believe and follow these basic instructions from God continually. One could suggest that writing these commands on their heart through teaching them, binding them on their hands, and keeping them as frontlets between their eyes is a form of spiritual discipline. To grow in godliness is a gift from God that is meant to glorify him and set his people apart. The MDSA and its results, as discussed here, aid in the assessment of how the surveyors are growing in their spirituality and godliness.

Bibliography 

Bavinck, Herman, John Bolt, and John Vriend. Reformed Dogmatics: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation. Vol. 4. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

Gorman, Michael J. Cruciformity: Paul’s Narrative Spirituality of the Cross. Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.

Guthrie, Donald. Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 15. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983.

Haykin, Michael. The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality. Evangelical Press, 2007.

Marshall, Colin, and Tony Payne. The Vine Project. Mathias Media, 2016.

McClendon, P. Adam, and Jared E. Lockhart. Timeless Church: Five Lessons from Acts. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020.

Murray, Andrew. Humility: The Beauty of Holiness. New York; London; Glasgow: Fleming H. Revell, 1800.

Schnabel, Eckhard J. Acts. Expanded Digital Edition. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. 

Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Life (Revised and Updated). NavPress, 2014.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016.

[1] Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Life (Revised and Updated) (NavPress, 2014), 4.

[2] Michael J. Gorman, Cruciformity: Paul’s Narrative Spirituality of the Cross (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001), 3.

[3] Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Life (Revised and Updated) (NavPress, 2014), 4.

[4] Andrew Murray, Humility: The Beauty of Holiness (New York; London; Glasgow: Fleming H. Revell, 1800), 12.

[5] P. Adam McClendon and Jared E. Lockhart, Timeless Church: Five Lessons from Acts (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020).

[6] Michael Haykin, The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality (Evangelical Press, 2007), 23.

[7] Herman Bavinck, John Bolt, and John Vriend, Reformed Dogmatics: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008), 152.

[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 10:24–25.

[9] Donald Guthrie, Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 15, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983), 218.

[10] Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Expanded Digital Edition., Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), Ac 3:1–10.

[11] Marshall Colin and Payne Tony, The Vine Project (Mathias Media, 2016). 144.