Spiritual maturity does not equate to perfection; it is best defined by intentionality. Spiritual maturity intentionally leans outward, investing in the formation of others; not preoccupied with self. Zoom in on this understanding, and it becomes the difference between churches that grow sporadically and those that grow consistently.
Personal formation is the means, not the end, or, in other words, formation that ends with me ends too soon. We see this reality in God’s creation of “fruit-bearing trees yielding seed” (Gen. 1:11-12); trees designed to reproduce life beyond themselves.
Jesus’ “go ye therefore making disciples” (Matthew 28:19) assumes an audience capable of reproducing what it has received. A spiritually mature church is not passive about discipleship, and if we zoom in on spiritual maturity, we recognize that the local church is measured by reproductive intentionality.
As a church body, where Scripture envisions “each part supplying (contributing) to growth (Eph. 4:16), we must operate in a way that doesn’t wait to be asked. We initiate, model, and invite, creating a culture of discipleship that is normative, not occasional.
When intentional discipleship is absent, even mature believers slowly turn inward. Faith becomes private, our gifting becomes dormant, and the church subtly shifts from a formative community into a spiritual audience.
So what does reproductive intentionality look like in a church?
In reproductively intentional communities, discipleship is not outsourced to a pastor or a ministerial few. Mature believers see themselves as stewards of formation, not spectators of it. This doesn’t eliminate leadership; it multiplies it!
It is a vision of a church community where, as mentioned before, “every joint supplies.” Maturity shows up when believers assume responsibility for the spiritual development of others without being asked.
We intentionally teach bible studies. We intentionally engage with visitors, past and present, and are willing to walk alongside them in ongoing formation. We are intentional, not just in our attendance but also in our participation. Discipleship happens through shared meals, prayer, conversation, and consistent presence.
Let us become intentional. Remember, formation that ends with me ends too soon.