The 9 Steps of Spiritual Growth – From Disciple to Discipler

By Eldon Kibbey

 

The Mandate for Multiplication

Spiritual growth is not an accident; it’s a purposeful progression. The blueprint for this journey is found in the powerful mandate of 2 Timothy 2:1-2: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” This leads to a beautiful, multiplying cycle of spiritual development.

This progression can be broken into nine distinct steps under three main categories: The Basics, The Disciplines, and The Application.

1. The Basics: What We Know, and Why We Know It

The first three steps establish the foundation of our faith and the start of multiplication:

• Salvation: The starting point. Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and can you defend your faith? This step also involves the basic command to seek the lost.

• Timothy: Have you been discipled by a “Paul”? This is about being mentored in the foundational basics of the Christian life.

• Paul: Have you discipled a “Timothy” in these same basics? The true test is whether your Timothy is sharing what he has learned with another, thus beginning the multiplication process.

2. The Disciplines: Learning to Apply God’s Truth

These steps focus on the practical habits and character development required for maturity:

• Soldier: This is about separation. Have you separated yourself from the things of the world? This involves intentionally defining what that looks like in your life.

• Athlete: Are you actively involved in spiritual disciplines? This requires consistency and effort, much like an athlete training to apply his skills.

• Farmer: Do you trust God to meet your needs? This discipline of faith is evidenced in how you live and serve, trusting God for the harvest.

3. The Application: Living a Life of Faith and Service

The final steps focus on living out your faith and serving others, allowing Christ to work through you:

• Workman: Have you become skilled in applying scripture to the circumstances of your life? The result should be observable change, particularly in the life of your family.

• Vessel of Honor: Is the Holy Spirit living the life of Christ through you? This moves beyond personal effort to allowing God’s power to flow through your life.

• Bond-servant: Is Jesus Christ serving other people through you? This is expressed through your ministry involvements and the exercising of your spiritual gifts.

This 9-step framework provides a clear roadmap for intentional growth and multiplication, guiding you from the foundational knowledge of Salvation to a life of service as a Bond-servant.