Hard research on spiritual growth by Josh Hunt

Hard research on spiritual growth by Josh Hunt The Bible says we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. What does the research say? Current research into the spiritual lives of seventy thousand Americans—of all ages, from nearly every corner of the nation—is proving something many Christians have doubted: There’s power in God’s Word. A majority of those we surveyed showed us that consistently engaging the Bible is the key to knowing God intimately, getting unstuck, and growing spiritually. Yes, it really works—despite what we may have been told! The sixty-six love letters from our Creator are far from irrelevant. To the contrary, getting God’s words from our head to our heart (and eventually into our feet) can result in amazing changes that transform how we think, love, live, and serve.[1] Digging a little deeper, research found it was consistency that matters. Dabbling doesn’t help all that much. Getting the Book open every day is what matters. There are significant differences in the moral behaviors and spiritual maturity of believers who read or listen to the Bible at least four times a week compared to those who read or hear Scripture less often or never at all. In fact, such engagement motivates service for God and impacts the world for Him (through helping in church, loving the unlovely, reaching out to the needy).[2] Willowcreek’s research corroborates these findings. Sadly, they found that attending church does NOT predict spiritual maturity—at least, not above a certain level. Going to church every week will get you out of the basement, but this practice alone will not lead you to scale the heights. If you want to lay hold of the John 10.10 life, you have to do something more. What did Willowcreek’s research discover? Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches could do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible—specifically, to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives. The numbers say most churches are missing the mark—because only one out of five congregants reflects on Scripture every day.[3] Northpoint’s research is not a rigorous, but a little more practical. Still, they have discovered the same thing: Somewhere along the way, Christians begin to pray. Alone. They begin exploring the Bible on their own. They memorize their first Scripture verse. It’s not uncommon to hear people speak of getting up a little earlier in the morning to spend time with God. Personal spiritual disciplines introduce a sense of intimacy and accountability to our faith walks. Private spiritual disciplines tune our hearts to the heart of God and underscore personal accountability to our heavenly Father.  There is a direct correlation between a person’s private devotional life and his or her personal faith.[4] What is the practical application for churches? From the beginning we have looked for ways to coax, bribe, bait, and equip everybody from kindergarten up to engage in some kind of private devotional exercise. I’m constantly telling people during the weekend services to go home and read their Bibles. [5] And, what is the practical application for you? Open the Book every day. [1] Unstuck: Your Life. God’s Design. Real Change. by Arnie Cole, Michael Ross [2] Unstuck: Your Life. God’s Design. Real Change. by Arnie Cole, Michael Ross [3] Move: What 1,000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth by Greg L. Hawkins, Cally Parkinson [4] Stanley, A. (2012). Deep And Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love To Attend. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [5] Ibid.