In the journey of faith, there comes a time when we must heed the call to “grow up” spiritually. This growth isn’t just about accumulating knowledge or years in the church; it’s about maturing in our faith, taking ownership of our spiritual walk, and embodying the very essence of Christ’s teachings in our daily lives.
The concept of an “apostolic church” isn’t about titles or hierarchy. Rather, it’s about a church that embodies the spirit of the early apostles – one that is focused on building people, equipping saints, reaching the lost, and hosting God’s presence. It’s a church that shifts from being merely a congregation to becoming a movement, from simply gathering people to mobilising them for God’s kingdom.
One of the clearest signs of spiritual maturity in a church is when its members begin to embrace not just the programs, but the spirit, ethos, and philosophy of the ministry. This alignment demonstrates true spiritual growth, as the church moves together in unity of spirit, mind, and purpose.
Love stands at the forefront of this maturity. As Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). This love isn’t selective or conditional; it extends to the lovable, the different, the difficult, and even those who may not fit the typical “church mould.” It’s a love that welcomes without judgment, that sees beyond outward appearances to the heart of each individual.
Another hallmark of spiritual maturity is a willingness to serve. This service isn’t about recognition or accolades; it’s about seeing a need and meeting it, regardless of whether it falls within one’s “official” ministry area. It’s about understanding that no task is too small or beneath us when it comes to serving God’s kingdom. Even Jesus, the Son of Man, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Maturity also manifests in how we handle God’s Word. A mature church isn’t “blown around by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Instead, there’s a stability that comes from a deep appreciation and love for Scripture, coupled with a commitment to sound doctrine. This doesn’t mean being rigid or close-minded, but rather having a solid foundation that allows for growth and deeper understanding.
The concept of mentorship and discipleship plays a crucial role in spiritual maturity. Just as Jesus trained His disciples by example – doing, then watching them do – a mature church embraces this model of hands-on training and passing down of knowledge and experience. It’s about equipping the next generation, not just with information, but with practical skills and spiritual wisdom.
Financial stewardship is another area where maturity shines through. A mature congregation understands the principle that “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). This isn’t about giving for personal gain, but about understanding that our resources are tools for advancing God’s kingdom.
As we grow in maturity, we begin to take on more responsibility – not just within the church walls, but in our daily lives and interactions. We become ambassadors for Christ, reflecting His love and teachings in our workplaces, neighbourhoods, and families. We start to see ourselves not just as attendees of a church, but as vital members of a body working together for a greater purpose.
Hebrews 13:7 encourages us to “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” This scripture highlights the importance of not just listening to spiritual leaders but observing their lives and emulating their faith. It’s about catching the vision and spirit of those who guide us, while always keeping our ultimate focus on Christ.
As we embrace this call to spiritual maturity, we may find ourselves stepping out of our comfort zones. We might be called to start new ministries, reach out to the marginalised, or even plant new churches. The growth of the early church, as described in Acts, wasn’t just about numbers; it was about the gospel spreading to new regions and people groups. Similarly, our growth should lead us to expand our reach and impact for God’s kingdom.
In all of this, we must remember that spiritual maturity isn’t a destination, but a continuous journey. Even as we grow, we must maintain a teachable spirit and a humble heart. We must be willing to both learn from others and share what we’ve learned, always pointing back to Christ as the source of our growth and strength.
As we reflect on these principles of spiritual maturity, let’s ask ourselves: How are we growing? Are we taking ownership of our faith and the vision of our church? Are we serving with a willing heart, not for recognition but out of love for God and others? Are we deepening our understanding of Scripture and sound doctrine? Are we mentoring others and allowing ourselves to be mentored?
Let’s embrace this call to “grow up” in our faith. May we be a people known for our love, our service, our wisdom, and our commitment to spreading the gospel. As we do, we’ll find ourselves not just attending church, but being the church – a vibrant, growing body of believers making a real impact in our world for Christ’s kingdom.
