Spiritual Catalysts

In Think Orange, Reggie Joiner describes a team discussion at North Point Community Church that came to dramatically shape their philosophy of ministry.  The team members spent time describing how they had grown in their own spiritual journeys, and as they shared, they realized there were some common themes—some common catalysts for spiritual growth.

• A life-changing truth that helps us understand who God is or how to live
• A spiritual discipline we develop that puts us in tune with God’s Spirit or voice
• A personal ministry that stretches us to tap into God’s power and purpose
• A significant relationship that God uses to prompt or encourage us
• A pivotal circumstance that causes us to depend on God in new ways

As I read that and as I thought about the research in our College Transition Project, I thought that’s a pretty good summary.  So many churches, ministries, and families emphasize only one or two of these and are missing out on the wide range of spiritual catalysts that are possible.

What do you think?  As you think about your own spiritual journey, or others’ close to you, do you see anything missing?

©2009 Fuller Youth Institute