Grace Fellowship Church

Spiritual growth is just like any other growth. You have to get your nutrients somewhere. And making sure you are directly connected to Jesus is what’ll keep you growing. Jesus says that we grow when we’re connected to him, like a branch of grapes is attached to the vine stalk. And he says that this connection to the stalk is what keeps the branch bearing. It happens naturally, inherently.

Spending time alone with Jesus, along with the other three pathways we recommend at Grace (being part of the weekend service worship experience and a small group, and serving), will help you integrate your relationship with Jesus with the whole of your life.

There are also some spiritual practices that people throughout the ages have used as tools to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Some disciplines of abstinence are fasting, silence, solitude, and frugality. Some disciplines of engagement are prayer, study, worship, and confession.

Suggested Resources

If you’d like more resources for growth and maturity as a follower of Christ, please talk to your small group leader, or access some of the resources listed below.

• Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard
• Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster
• Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton
• Invitation to Silence and Solitude: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg