Spiritual Growth - IIIB

Goals For Spiritual Growth – Part Two

Having looked and some personal spiritual growth goals we will now turn our attention to how our growth is tied to congregational goals. As members of the body, we must grow. We must find and develop our unique function(s) in the body of Christ - Ro 12:6-8 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” For some, it may be laboring in the Word (preaching, teaching). For others, it may involve ministering to others (visiting, serving). For many, it may involve a multitude of talents and abilities. We must utilize our gifts (functions) in the service of God - 1 Pe 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Those who speak, doing so as the oracles of God. Those who serve, with the strength God supplies. -- Failing to grow brings reproach (e.g., He 5:12-14;), for we are guilty of wasting what God has given us (cf. Mt 25:14-30).

The challenge of reaching our functional goals is one of determining our function(s) in the body of Christ. Not all members have the same function; what is mine? Am I lacking in certain talents, or are they simply needing to be developed? Am I truly a one-talent individual, or am I using that possibility as an excuse not to develop what I am truly capable of? The challenge is one of developing our function(s) in the body of Christ. While some skills may come naturally, others may take time and energy. Is my lack of development the result of indifference or laziness? Am I selling myself short through negative self-talk? Am I allowing the allurements of the world to preoccupy my time and energy? -- We need to be honest with ourselves; indeed, the day of Judgment will reveal whether or not we have been honest (cf. 2 Co 5:10; Mt 25:14-30).

Finally, a thought or two about congregational goals as individual growth is intertwined with church growth. A primary function of the church is the edification of the saints - Ep 4:11-16 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” We are challenged to minister our gifts to one another - 1 Pe 4:11 “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -- As we grow individually, so we grow as a church, and vice versa.

Church goals should incorporate individual goals. A congregation's goals should allow for the fulfillment of individual goals providing encouragement through its educational programs and providing opportunity for Christians to serve in their various roles. A congregation's goals will require the fulfillment of individual goals. Does a church have a goal for growth? It requires teachers and others who minister to the flock. Does a church have a goal for spreading the gospel? It requires preachers and those who will support them - Ro 10:14-15 “But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"’ -- To grow individually, we benefit greatly with the help of congregational goals!

The challenge of reaching our congregational goals depends heavily upon the cooperation of all the members. If we are not united in the need for spiritual growth, it is unlikely we will set congregational goals that will nourish such growth. If we are not growing individually, any congregational goals will not likely be met -- If we desire to grow as a congregation, we need to be growing as individuals, and set our goals to allow for such!

In conclusion, spiritual growth requires the setting and obtaining of goals.... Individuals must have both behavioral and functional goals. Both individuals and congregations must have similar goals. As we obtain our goals as individuals and as congregations Christ will be glorified! As disciples and as members of His body we will become what He desires us to be! If we desire to grow spiritually, then we need to set and strive for behavioral, functional, and congregational goals that will inspire us in the right direction!