Real leadership is directly related to growth and maturity. Therefore, spiritual leadership is directly related to spiritual growth and spiritual maturity.

With spiritual growth and maturity being the foundation for spiritual leadership, it is necessary for us to define spiritual growth and maturity. What is spiritual growth and maturity?

First, let’s consider three things that it is not. Spiritual growth and maturity is not determined by age. Nor is it determined by education. Neither is it always determined by experience.

A well-educated, physically mature person who has experienced many situations in life can still be spiritually immature. This person may reflect their spiritual immaturity in a number of ways which we will consider more specifically in a few moments.

We can begin to define spiritual maturity as personal growth through commitment, process, discipline, and being goal-oriented. Any type of maturity requires a commitment to growth and development. True maturity does not occur overnight, it is a process. Maturity requires discipline. Genuine maturity acts with purpose; it is goal-oriented.

As a leader, you must be committed and disciplined to a process that leads you toward the goals set in your life and ministry. Even if you do not consider yourself a leader, as a believer, you are. All believers are leaders, whether by office, calling or lifestyle. It is every believer’s commission to lead others into a growing relationship with Christ.

Let us take an objective look at our personal level of spiritual maturity and growth by answering a few indicative questions.

Ask yourself:

• Do I lose my temper or am easily angered?
• Do I repeatedly make the same mistakes?
• Do I find myself experiencing the same struggles over and over again without knowing how to handle them?
• Am I in discord with others or have unresolved conflicts with other people?
• Do I make promises to God that I am unable or unwilling to keep?
• When others wrong me, do I harbor grudges?
• Do I degrade or devalue unbelievers?
• Do I avoid even the appearance of evil?
• Is my church attendance a matter of convenience, often missing services?
• Do I frequently miss my prayer and Bible study time due to busyness or fatigue?
• Am I faithful in tithing to my church?
• Do I desire to improve myself (who I am in Christ) and am taking steps to do so?

Most any ‘team’ effort serves well as an illustration. Let us use a football team for an example.

An individual may be hired to be part of the team. This individual can show up for practice times, have their name on the roster, be issued a uniform, sign autographs, etc… However, if the person does not actually participate in personal growth, he is not a true player. Just being present is not enough for him to become an integral part of the team. Growth, maturity, and development take place as he actively becomes engaged in the process. He must make a commitment to the process of personal growth and remain disciplined if he is to realize his goal of being part of the team.

As a spiritual leader, you must be spiritually growing! How are you going to grow? How are you and your life going to change?

D. L. Moody said it well. “The Bible is not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.” Do not allow your commitment to be solely to increase your Bible knowledge but to grow by allowing it to change every aspect of your life.

Make a commitment to spiritual growth and maturity. Be disciplined in a process of daily prayer and Bible study. Set definitive guidelines that propel you toward the goal of growth and maturity so you will fulfill your purpose as a Christ-like leader.

Gary R. Linn