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Spiritual Growth...

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by PastorSBC1303, Feb 24, 2005.

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  1. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    I hear a lot about spiritual growth today, and yet the more I read about it, the less I really understand what it means and how it is applied in the church today. :confused:

    I get the feeling that some pastors use the phrase spiritual growth as a substitute for the fact that their church is not reaching new people for the Gospel and growing in numbers. Yet I hear others talk of spiritual growth along with physical growth. And it seems that every book I read or every person I talk to has a different understanding of the issue. So I guess I have some questions for you to answer:

    What exactly is spiritual growth?

    How is spiritual growth measured?

    Is spiritual growth more important in a church than physical growth?

    What do you do as a pastor to see spiritual growth in your church?
     
    #1 PastorSBC1303, Feb 24, 2005
  2. WallyGator

    WallyGator New Member

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    Spiritual growth IMHO is becoming more Christlike in a progressive process.
    Measured by exhibition of the fruits of the spirit leading to Great Commission expressions.
    Yes!
    Exhibit your personal spiritual growth as an example. Don't neglect your personal spiritual growth. (Prayer, Bible Study, Quiet time, Servanthood, etc.) Disciple your flock please perfect the saints for the work of the ministry.
     
    #2 WallyGator, Feb 24, 2005
  3. El_Guero

    El_Guero New Member

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    I do not know how you would measure becoming more "Christlike".
     
    #3 El_Guero, Feb 25, 2005
  4. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    You cannot measure it exclusively by works but by relationship. A person knows if they have a good relationship with God. If it can be measured by works then one can boast. But if by relationship then there is nothing to boast about except if they know God. When they know God they know their position.
     
    #4 gb93433, Feb 26, 2005
  5. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    gb good thoughts
     
    #5 PastorSBC1303, Feb 26, 2005
  6. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    What did John the Baptist say about Jesus??

    "He must increase, I must decrease!"

    What did Jesus say about John the Baptist??

    "Greatest man ever born of woman!"

    Then Jesus says---Whoever makes himself the least in the Kingdom shall be made greatest!

    Spiritual growth is a daily death to self---becoming selfless! A daily reckoning of ones' self dying to sin and living toward the Lord Jesus!


    That's spiritual growth!

    Blackbird
     
    #6 blackbird, Feb 27, 2005
  7. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Black, I agree, but how in the world do you measure that?
     
    #7 PastorSBC1303, Feb 27, 2005
  8. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    Its not measured---its just done!! Nothing can be measured so that no one can have an avenue to brag!!
     
    #8 blackbird, Feb 27, 2005
  9. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Black,

    ok, I do not have a problem with that, but how do you know when you are accomplishing it?
     
    #9 PastorSBC1303, Feb 27, 2005
  10. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    Its accomplished through the avenue of total alligence to the Lord Jesus Christ and in total obedience to His will found in the written word from the Word.

    Alligence & obedience!
     
    #10 blackbird, Feb 27, 2005
  11. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Again, sounds great, but how do you know when it is happening in your church?
     
    #11 PastorSBC1303, Feb 27, 2005
  12. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Perhaps measured by the fruit the Spirit produces in your life?
     
    #12 Dr. Bob, Feb 27, 2005
  13. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    I think this thread has help verify for me what I thought before I submitted it....everyone has their own concept of spiritual growth and it is hard to nail down how you can be sure it is happening in your church.

    I think all pastors would say they desire spiritual growth, I am just not sure how we know when it is happening....
     
    #13 PastorSBC1303, Mar 1, 2005
  14. here now

    here now Member

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    Spiritual growth is ones personal growth of the Spiritual understanding of the Word of God. One experiences this after being born again. From that point one grows in the Spirit, hence growing Spiritually.

    Sincerely,
    Here Now
     
    #14 here now, Mar 1, 2005
  15. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Here Now..I understand that point completely. I think you missed what I was asking....how is it measured and how do you know that you are acheiving it?
     
    #15 PastorSBC1303, Mar 1, 2005
  16. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    How is it measured???? Now I get it!!! [​IMG]

    Let your spiritual "yardstick" be the Lord Jesus Christ and move in the direction in order to be conformed to His image---to where it is "Not I, but Christ"
     
    #16 blackbird, Mar 1, 2005
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