by Mark Bender, Territorial Director of Corps & Community Mission
I don’t like going to the doctor’s office. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the testing, the time involved, or the possibility of finding out I’m not as healthy as I think. But it’s so important.
God desires us to grow spiritually, and His Word encourages personal examination as an element of growth. For instance, Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”
When we pay attention to our spiritual health and ask the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus, we can grow both personally and together as a body of believers. Assessing where we are individually in the development of our faith also is key.
I came across a simple tool called the “Spiritual Growth Assessment Process” (Lifeway), which looks at six areas of spiritual discipline and gives simple but effectual ideas to help us:
Abide in Christ
• Attend a corporate worship experience weekly.
• Set aside a specific time and location for a regular quiet time with God.
• Make a list of things that hinder your spiritual growth and seek God’s help to remove them.
Live in the Word
• Memorize one scripture verse each week.
• Take notes from the sermon or Bible study and consider personal application.
• Teach or participate in an ongoing small group Bible study.
Pray in Faith
• Participate in your corps’ prayer ministry.
• Lead a small group study related to praying in faith.
• Journal your prayers and record God’s answers.
Fellowship with Believers
• Ask each family member or friend to identify ways you can improve your relationship.
• Ask God to help you forgive people who have hurt you.
• Attend a retreat or workshop on marriage or parenting.
Witness to the World
• Write your testimony and practice sharing it.
• Make a list of non-believers you know and pray regularly for their salvation.
• Participate in an evangelistic outreach.
Minister to Others
• Complete a spiritual gifts inventory.
• Volunteer for a ministry in your corps where you can use your gifts.
• Send encouraging notes to your corps officers and employees.
When we are growing personally, we can contribute to the growth and health of our corps congregations.
To download this and other spiritual life resources, go to: salarmycentral.org/cacm/resources/