Measuring Maturity

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen over-night. When John wrote his first epistle, he mentioned little children, children, young men and fathers (1 John 2:12-14)—each at a different level of growth.

Although it’s not always easy to pinpoint a person’s maturity level, the following chart provides a jumping-off place to help someone grow.

Level of Growth

Lost person

Young or Carnal Christian

Growing Christian

Reproducing Christian

Capability

Cannot feed self

Must be fed

Feeding self

Feeding others

Commitment

None

Weak

Strong

Consistent

Your responsibility

Live and present the gospel

Build

Train

Send

Suggested materials or resources

Four Spiritual Laws, Gospel of John, give your testimony, invite them to church

Invite to spend time with growing Christians, present Holy Spirit booklet or Transferable Concepts, 10 Basic Steps, quiet time

Inductive Bible-study methods, Scripture memory, God: Discover His Character by Bill Bright

Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman, Personal Disciplemaking by Chris Adsit

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