This book is based on the results of the REVEAL study conducted
by Willow Creek Association, in which they surveyed congregation members from
more than 1000 churches across the United States of all denominations. From the
results, Willow Creek was able to identify a clear spiritual growth continuum
that a believer follows as they mature in faith, as well as specific catalysts
that initiate movements forward along that continuum. The survey results also
provided insight as to what people expect from their churches and leaders as
people move through the various phases of spiritual growth. This book explained
each of the phases, catalysts and the “best practices” of the churches that most
successfully create an environment of active spiritual growth among the
majority of their members.
The only glaring negative aspect of this book is probably more of a personal preference: it was hard for me to read survey results in book form. The results were listed as statistics, graphs, charts, diagrams and explained in narrative -- so I think whatever format you are comfortable with, you will get the gist. For me, reading through the explanations was a little confusing. I had to focus a lot more to digest what it was saying. But the content was wonderful!
I think this book can be a very helpful tool for pastors and
leaders wanting to learn more about the spiritual dynamics of their churches and
how they can be more effective in how they influence spiritual growth. However,
I found that the book not only intrigued me as a church leader, but also as an
individual follower of Christ. I thought it was most interesting to read about
the phases of growth and the catalysts that move believers from one level of
spiritual maturity to another. I could identify where I think I am on the
continuum and see the catalysts I struggle with…and that perhaps I should challenge
myself to do so I can continue to grow.
I’ll try to summarize the concept of the continuum and the
catalysts: The survey results helped identify four phases of the spiritual
growth continuum. These are Exploring Christ, Growing in Christ, Close to
Christ and Christ Centered. Catalysts are things the believer will do on a
consistent basis (not just one time acts) that will initiate and promote
growth. These can be reading the Bible, serving at church, evangelism, giving
and so on.
For each movement from one phase to the next, the study was
able to identify the top five catalysts that move the believer to the next
level. Some of the phases share catalysts, many were unique to that phase of
growth. However, I found it interesting (though not surprising) that the one
catalyst that appeared in the top five of each phase was “Reflecting on
Scripture.” How very true that no matter where you are spiritually, it is
essential to be in God’s Word for substantial growth to take place!
And even more personally challenging, I discovered those
catalysts that I have yet to take hold of…but I so desire to do. The attributes
of a believer that this Christ-centered are so sacrificial, so rooted in love
for God and people. It is not an impossible life to live, but one I have not
yet fully achieved. After reading this book I was challenged to open my heart
to God’s leading so I can discover the self-sacrificing acts (catalysts) He has
for me, that I may know Him more, love Him more and fulfill His commandment to
love others as He did. What a challenge!
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