Growing Together

Spiritual growth isn’t about how long you’ve been in the pews, but how willing you are to trust, love, and serve like a child of God.

Why Growth Matters

If a tree stops growing, it’s just firewood.

I brought a special guest to help me explain this. Wesley, come on up here, son."

Pastor: "Wes, you’re 8 years old now. What’s the best part about getting taller?"

Wesley: (Expected: Reaching things, being 'big', playing sports).

Pastor: "Exactly. But growing isn't just about inches; it's about what’s inside. In the Bible, Peter tells us to:

2 Peter 3:18 ESV

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

“grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.”

Growing in Faith

(The Roots)

Ephesians 4:15 ESV

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

"...we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..."

As adults, growing in faith means trusting God when the bank account is low or the stress is high. It’s what Dr. Tony Evans calls

“act like God is telling the truth.”

The Interaction:

Pastor: "Wes, what does 'faith' look like for a kid? Like, when we go to the pool and I’m in the water telling you to jump... what are you thinking?"

Wesley: (Response about trusting Dad to catch him).

Pastor: "See, church? That’s it. Growing in faith means Wesley trusts my arms more than he fears the water. Adults, do you trust God’s arms more than you fear your circumstances?"

Growing in Love

(The Fruit)

Dr. Gardner C. Taylor used to say that:

“Love is the hallmark of the believer”

Galatians 5:6 ESV

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Faith is the ENGINE, love is the FUEL

For Gen Xers and Boomers, growing in love means letting go of old grudges and learning how to love people who don't vote like us or look like us.

The Interaction:

Pastor: "Wes, what happens if we put a brand-new, super-fast sports car on the stage, but it doesn't have any gas in the tank?"

Wesley: "It’s not going anywhere. It’s just stuck."

Pastor: "Church, that’s a believer with 'faith' but no love. You can have all the theological knowledge, but without love, your faith is running on empty."

Growing in Service

(The Harvest)

Pastor H.B. Charles Jr. reminds us that

“We are saved to serve.”

John 21:15–17 ESV

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Love is felt through service

Maturity is measured by our scars from service, not just our stars for attendance.

We grow when we stop asking 'What can the church do for me?' and start asking 'What can I do for the Kingdom?'

The Interaction:

Pastor: "Wesley, some people think you have to be a 'grown-up' with a suit and tie to serve God. Do you think that’s true? What can a kid do to serve at church or at home?"

Wesley: (Response about helping, picking up trash, praying for friends).

Pastor: "You hear that? He’s not waiting until he’s 21 to be useful. He’s growing now. If he’s willing to help, what’s our excuse?"

Don't stay where you are...

Pastor: "Wesley, what’s one thing you want to do better as you grow up for Jesus?"

Wesley: (Personal goal: 'Pray more' or 'Be a better friend').

Pastor: "And my goal is to lead this house with more humility and strength. Let’s all stand. If you’re ready to grow—not just in age, but in grace—meet us at this altar."