Hi everyone,

Has anyone else read the Willow Creek study about measuring spiritual growth, Reveal?  I have found their findings fascinating and reckon that they are relevant to any conversation we might have about growing disciples.  These three things stood out for me:

1. The Church needs to be a spiritual coach not a spiritual parent
2. People need to look beyond the church to grow and the church needs to let them know this early in their journey “Getting a weekly dose of what the church has to offer (even if it is great) will never be sufficient spiritual nutrition for survival, let alone growth. Our people need to learn to feed themselves through personal spiritual practices that allow them to deepen their relationship with Christ.” and
3. In terms of discipleship, the church makes its biggest impact with those who are beginning to explore Christianity.  I want to read this bit again because I cant remember why, or even if it is explained, that this is so. I also have an inkling that a disproportionate amount of our discipling resources and emphasis has been to children and new Christians, so wonder if this is being reflected in the results.  What do you think about this?

12,000 surveys were completed over three years to get these results, including 300 from people who had left Willow Creek, several 1000 from other churches other than Willow Creek, and more than 120 one-to-one conversations with people in which their spiritual lives were explored.  The definition of spiritual growth was “increasing love for God and for other people” based on Jesus’ two greatest commandments. I really like this definition of spiritual growth. Do you have other ways you would define this? What is the difference, do you think between discipling and spiritual growth?

Many more interesting things came from the research.  If you have read or heard about it, what did you find interesting/challenging?

Louise