Mature Followers of Jesus
I’ve just finished writing up a brief for a church considering how to encourage the ‘Mature Growing Believer’. I’d be interested in anyone’s feedback. It’s in the context of a discipleship pathway, engaging with cynics, sceptics, spectators, seekers, new followers of Jesus, growing disciples, and mature followers.
Characteristics
These people have a high level of maturity of faith in Jesus. As such they are models of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. At the same time they are conscious of their need to grow further in their relationship with God and will take initiative to keep doing so. The mature follower of Jesus is expected to take responsibility for themselves and to act in the interests of family, church and wider community. Mature Christians are developing a capacity for non-defensive conversation with those who are different to them, largely based on confidence in the Christian gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit.
God’s action
2 Corinthians 3:18
God is at work in us, growing us further into the likeness of Christ.
Knowledge/Understanding
Nature of God, Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit
Understanding of faith in Jesus Christ deepening
Growing depth of engagement in Bible reading
Relational understanding of prayer
Continuing awareness and use of spiritual gifts, passion, abilities, personality, experience
Understanding of participation in mission
Awareness of strengths and weaknesses - dealing with sin
Capacity to deal with complexity of issues of faith and life
Understanding of wider Church tradition and of other faiths
Skills/Application
Bible study
Prayer - personal and group - along with other spiritual disciplines
Sharing faith
Discerning gifts and using them in and with support of a local congregation
Learning from teaching in church and small groups
Appreciation of other traditions
Capacity for dialogue with people outside Christian faith
Continuing engagement with people outside Church environment
Our actions
Continue to support through prayer and fellowship and encouragement of growing integration of life, thought and faith. High level of permission giving encourages mature Christians to take initiative and responsibility in sustainable patterns of life.
Biblical Models
Timothy was a young leader in the early Church and was strong in his faith. At the same time Paul continued to mentor and encourage him in his faith and the way in which he lived out his faith.
Group activities
Mature Christians will be taking responsibility for leadership in groups in ways that resonate with their spiritual gifts and personal skills. They may be involved in the mentoring and support of people at other points of The Pathway. However they may also be involved in group discussion that encourages engagement with complex issues of faith and life. It is important that mature Christians continue to receive spiritual and physical nurture and growth themselves. These people will be seeking out opportunities to grow in specific areas of life. Opportunities for extension may be provided by involvement in Christian or non-Christian organisations.
Courses
Papers on Biblical studies, Church history, theology, pastoral care and mission through Coolamon College, Bible College of Queensland, Trinity College, Christian Heritage College
Experiencing the Heart of Christianity - engaging again with the heart and practice of faith
Practicing Our Faith - integrating faith with everyday life
Celebration of Discipline - focusing on spiritual disciplines
Soul Whisperers - designed to develop a missional spirituality and lifestyle
Companions in Christ - designed to develop a lifestyle of connecting with God
(See Educating Christians for more on these courses)
One Response to “Mature Followers of Jesus”
By The Eagle's Child on Dec 8, 2005 | Reply
Now Pac’ ‘lander I know this is your job and you have to be about doing your job but…. I am a very mature Christian. I have lived across Australia & I have been an active member of many denominations. I’ve also got a major in Studies in Religion and a substantial part of a BTh. I have a strong background in community activisim. All the things you have mentioned are all thinking and doing things - all humanist activity. How about “Be still and know that I sam God”. In other words an emphasis on communion with God (go and have a look at The Cloud of Unknowing) and how about - through this practice of communion with God - develop the practice of listen to God as he speaks and operates in our lives and the lives of others. When those sorts of compass settings are firmly in place (and this takes a lot of time and a lot of development) then perhaps the head stuff - if you still feel you need it.