How can the church support believers in growing beyond spiritual infancy? setting the scene “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14) understanding spiritual infancy • An infant in Christ is easily swayed, unstable, and unable to discern truth from error (1 Corinthians 3:1–2; Hebrews 5:12–13). • Growth to maturity is God’s clear expectation: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). • The church is God’s chosen environment for moving believers from milk to solid food (Ephesians 4:11–13). key strategies for growth 1. Intentional, Word-centered teaching – Regular, systematic exposition of Scripture guards against “every wind of teaching.” – Acts 20:27: “For I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you the whole will of God.” – Provide doctrinal foundations: creation, fall, redemption, consummation. 2. Relational discipleship – Paul to Timothy model (2 Timothy 2:2): truth passed on “to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also.” – Smaller groups and one-on-one mentoring foster accountability and personalized growth. 3. Equipping every member to serve – Ephesians 4:12: leaders are “to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” – Serving exercises spiritual muscles; spectators remain infants. 4. Cultivating doctrinal discernment – Acts 17:11: Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” – Workshops on worldview, apologetics, and contemporary issues train believers to spot deceitful schemes. 5. Modeling Christlike maturity – Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith.” – Mature believers transparently share victories and failures, demonstrating growth pathways. practical church applications • Sunday-to-Monday Bible reading plan tied to sermons. • Tiered classes: foundations → doctrine → leadership development. • Ministry “on-ramps” for new believers: hospitality teams, prayer chains, outreach events. • Annual discernment seminar reviewing cultural trends through Scripture. • Elder-directed shepherding groups ensuring no member drifts. promoting obedience and service “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) • Application assignments after each lesson—put truth into practice within 48 hours. • Testimonies during gatherings celebrate obedience, reinforcing growth norms. • Short-term mission trips stretch believers beyond comfort, deepening reliance on Christ. guarding against false teaching • Establish a recommended reading list vetted by elders. • Equip parents to counter unbiblical ideologies hitting children. • Maintain church discipline (Titus 3:10–11) to protect the flock from divisive error. measuring maturity by love “But speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.” (Ephesians 4:15) • Track growth not merely by knowledge but by increased sacrificial love, unity, and holiness (John 13:35). • Celebrate milestones: baptism, service initiation, teaching others. living the vision When the church teaches sound doctrine, nurtures accountable relationships, mobilizes every believer, and protects against falsehood, infants become steadfast disciples who, in turn, guide others—no longer tossed by waves, but anchored in Christ. |
    |