Purpose Driven Church Ch18b - Developing Mature Members

Continued from yesterday.

Saddleback's strategy is based on the truths listed against each myth (see yesterday's blog, italics). Spiritual growth begins with commitment, is a gradual process, involves developing habits, is measured by five factors, is stimulated by relationships and requires participation in all five purposes of the church.

Raise the level of commitment.
Ideally every church should be known for the commitment of its members. A good way to assess whether your church is maturing is to ask whether standards of leadership get tougher as time passes. Each time you raise the standards for leadership you bring everyone else along a little bit. Focus on raising the commitment of the leadership, and others will follow.

Ask people for commitment. If you don't ask for it, you won't get it. And if you don't ask for it, other groups will. One of the most helpful things a church can do for people is assisting them in clarifying what commitments to make and what to decline.

Ask confidently for a big commitment. Jesus always asked clearly and confidently. He demanded that people drop everything and follow Him - and they did! People want to be committed to something that gives significance to their lives (Luke 14:33). People do not resent being asked for a great commitment if there is a great purpose behind it. They respond to passionate vision better than need.

Be specific in asking for commitment. Tell people exactly what is expected of them.

Explain the benefits of commitment. God attaches His promises to obedience. Explain epersonal benefits, family benefits, church benefits and eternal benefits.

Build on commitment rather than to commitment. It is important to start with whatever commitment people are able to give, even if it seems weak at first. Also break commitments into steps. Celebrate each time someone commits to moving forward.

Help people develop spiritual growth habits.
There are many habits that will be heplful. Four basics are time with God's word, prayer, tithing and fellowship. Sign a commitment in writing, and renew annually.

Build a balanced Christian education program.
It should contain:
Knowledge of the Word of God. Regularly offer "new believer" studies. 5 core books for these: Genesis, John, Romans, Ephesians, James.
Perspective. Understanding the word from a larger frame of reference; understanding how things fit together.
Conviction. Help people discover reasons for doing things that are as important as life itself. (The church MUST teach biblical convictions in order to counter the secular values to which believers are constantly exposed).
Skills. Help people learn how to do the above!
Character. The ultimate goal for the program (Eph 4:13). It is the only thing we take into eternity!