We all want to grow. In our spiritual lives, in our relationships, in our impact. But sometimes the path to growth can feel unclear or overwhelming. In a world filled with distractions, changing values, and endless opinions, how can we stay grounded and grow into the faithful followers of Jesus we’re called to be?
Let me start by asking a personal question: Are you a WELL disciple? At Rockwell Church, we’ve been using this acronym to help us evaluate our spiritual health:
- Worship
- Evangelize (Encourage)
- Learn
- Love
These four pillars—worshiping God, sharing your faith, growing in knowledge, and actively loving others—are essential to spiritual growth. Let’s explore what it means to grow as a WELL disciple and how you can take real, meaningful steps forward in your faith.
1. Growth Requires Intentional Worship
Worship is more than singing songs on Sunday—it’s a lifestyle. It’s how you respond to God’s greatness every day. Whether you’re getting ready in the morning, driving to work, or winding down at night, each moment offers a chance to acknowledge God’s value through your heart, words, and actions.
Romans 12:1 reminds us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Worship happens when we choose God’s way instead of our own. When we’re constantly in awe of Him, we start to live differently.
2. Growth Comes Through Evangelism
WELL disciples don’t just hoard the gospel—they share it. Evangelism can feel intimidating, especially if you fear saying the wrong thing. But often it’s as simple as asking questions, sharing your story, or offering to pray for someone.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” You never know how God can use a single word of encouragement or testimony to spark faith in someone’s heart.
3. Growth is Fueled by Learning
There’s no shortage of resources today—books, podcasts, YouTube videos, devotionals. Yet, spiritual growth doesn’t happen just by collecting information. We grow by letting the Word of God transform our minds and guide our choices.
Ephesians 4:14–15 warns against being spiritual infants, tossed around by false teaching. A mature believer stands firm, rooted in truth, growing into Christ. Reading Scripture regularly, learning from other believers, and seeking wisdom builds that foundation.
And don’t be discouraged if reading the Bible is hard at first. You’re not alone! Many give up around Leviticus. But a balanced Bible reading plan—like the genre-based schedule we use at Rockwell—can make it easier. Keep going. Keep growing.
4. Growth Takes Loving Action
Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action—a choice to serve, encourage, and sacrifice for others. Galatians 5:6 says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
When you start to grow in faith, it spills into your relationships. You begin to care more deeply for others. You begin to serve. You begin to love the way Jesus loves.
Love transforms discipleship from theory to practice.
5. Growth Doesn’t Retire
One of the lies we face is that there comes a point where we “retire” from spiritual work. But that’s not the biblical pattern. Whether you’re 25 or 75, God still wants to use you. As long as you’re breathing, there’s more growing to do.
Slowing down doesn’t mean checking out. Maybe you’re no longer the pastor, but you can still mentor. Maybe you can’t serve like before, but your prayer life can be more powerful than ever.
You never retire from the mission of making disciples.
6. Growth Must Be Anchored in Truth
The world around us constantly changes. Popular values shift. Morals get redefined. Even beloved board games like “The Game of Life” have gone from focusing on virtue and perseverance to emphasizing wealth and self-fulfillment.
But God’s Word never changes. If we don’t anchor our lives in Scripture, we’ll be tossed around by every new idea or cultural pressure. But when we grow in the Word, we develop conviction. We know who we are in Christ and how we’re supposed to live.
7. Growth Needs Community
You weren’t meant to grow alone. You need a church family, small group, mentors—people who will challenge and encourage you. Learning from others sharpens your faith. Like I did back when I worked in customer service, listening to my experienced coworker Brad, I soaked in his knowledge. I learned because I was close to someone who knew more than me.
That’s how discipleship works. We grow best in relationship.
Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to not give up meeting together but to encourage one another all the more. Even if the chairs are hard or the room is cold (sorry about that!), showing up matters.
8. Growth Means Pushing Through
Growth is hard. Just like exercising isn’t easy at first, building spiritual habits takes repetition. Reading the Bible, praying, serving—it takes practice. But over time, it gets easier.
You might fall behind on your reading plan. You might go through dry seasons. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. You’re not alone in the struggle. Keep pushing forward.
2 Corinthians 4:17 encourages us: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
9. Growth Moves Us to Serve
As you grow in the Lord, you’ll be moved to serve. When Isaiah heard God ask, “Whom shall I send?” he replied, “Here I am. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
Many believers sit in church for years waiting to feel “ready.” But growth happens when you step out in faith. You don’t need a seminary degree to lead a Bible study or help in a ministry. You just need willingness.
Philippians 2:12–13 reminds us to work out our salvation—live it out—with fear and trembling, for God is working in us.
Let’s stop making excuses. It’s time to serve. To rescue. To help. To be firefighters who run to the fire, not sit in the station waiting for someone else to respond.
10. Growth is a Process of Adding
2 Peter 1:5–8 gives us a roadmap of growth. Add to your faith:
- Goodness
- Knowledge
- Self-control
- Perseverance
- Godliness
- Brotherly kindness
- Love
Each of these traits builds on the other. Start with faith in Jesus, and keep adding. It’s like layering bricks to build a strong house. These virtues make us effective and productive in our walk with Christ.
If we ignore them, we become nearsighted and forget that we’ve been cleansed from sin. But if we practice them, we will never fall.
11. Growth Ends With a Rich Welcome
One day, we will stand before Jesus. What a tragedy it would be to come before Him ashamed, knowing we wasted opportunities to grow and serve. But what a joy to enter heaven with confidence, having lived a faithful life.
2 Peter 1:10–11 says, “If you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Let’s not just know about growth—let’s do something with it.
Final Thoughts
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It’s not easy. But it is worth it.
Are you worshiping, evangelizing, learning, and loving? Are you growing in Christ? Don’t let excuses, distractions, or doubts hold you back. Let today be the day you recommit to grow as a WELL disciple.
Next time, we’ll look at how WELL disciples reproduce—how we can help others grow in their faith too.
Until then, keep growing. Keep serving. And keep your eyes on Jesus.
Let’s grow WELL together.
1201021 How WELL Disciples Grow